By Bill Ward
Published in The Boerne Star on April 2, 2002
Just after my wife and I retired to this area, an old friend asked us to attend a meeting of the Fredericksburg Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas (NPSOT). “Oh, we couldn’t go to that,” I replied. “Yes, we do want to learn more about Hill Country wildflowers and other native plants, but we don’t know enough to go to a NPSOT meeting.” With that comment, I had just stated the reason we indeed should go to a NPSOT meeting. It is a great way to learn about the local plant life.
But at first I thought a meeting of NPSOT would put us among a group of intimidating experts who probably would refer to native flora only by their scientific names. That proved not to be the case. Most folks at the meetings were ordinary people from all walks of life, some newcomers to the area and others lifelong residents.
Some were just curious about the local vegetation.
Others were trying to learn what to plant to reduce watering and fertilizing of their yard plants. Others were seeking ideas on restoration of native vegetation on their recently purchased acreage.
All enjoyed learning more about native plants.
It was not, however, the blind leading the blind. There are professional horticulturists and other experts on native plants who help guide the programs in each of the 32 NPSOT chapters currently established in every part of Texas. And far from being intimidating, these experts are some of the nicest folks you’ll ever meet, always ready to share their knowledge with anyone who asks for information or help. We felt comfortable at the NPSOT meetings after all!
A year and a half ago a few of us organized a Boerne Chapter of NPSOT, which quickly became one of the most active chapters in the state.
The Boerne Chapter is especially fortunate, because it has access to several local experts on native plants. Among our members and friends are Chuck Janzow, Patty Leslie Pasztor, Marvin Hatter, Lottie Millsaps, Lee Knox, Janice Merritt, Mark Peterson, Jan Wrede, Ken Froboese, Dave Barrett and Carl Green.
The goal of our local chapter is the same as that of the state organization: to promote awareness, conservation, and utilization of native plants and their habitats. One way the Boerne Chapter accomplishes this goal is through the speaker program at our monthly meetings on the first Tuesday of the month (except July and August). Our speakers are among the foremost authorities on native plants of the Hill Country.
Dorothy Mattiza will speak at the Tuesday, April 2 meeting of the Boerne Chapter. Her talk and slide show will emphasize the importance of diversity in ecosystems. She will show the steps she is taking on her own Hill Country land, Gunsight Mountain Ranch near Tarpley, to aid biodiversity, not only on her land, but on the whole Williams Creek Valley. Her focus will be on the steps that anyone can take to help increase the variety and quality of ecosystems and habitats in their own area.
Mattiza is the author of the popular booklet “100 Texas Wildflowers.” She also edited and sponsored publication of NPSOT’s booklet, “Texas Natives, Ornamental Trees.” She was a regular guest contributor to Texas Gardener magazine and has written articles for Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine.
For eight years, Mattiza was the principal speaker for the Texas Garden Show. For many years Mattiza operated the Gunsight Mountain Ranch Nursery, which was know throughout the area as the place to buy native plants.
Mattiza’s presentation will begin at 6:30 p.m. on April 2 at the Cibolo Nature Center. Everyone is welcome. and admission is free. Please join us. But be warned. You’ll soon want to go native.
