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Native Plant Society of Texas

Robin Kendrick-Yates Garden in Houston

Ecoregion: Gulf Coast Prairies and Marshes
Front yard makeover in Houston

Galveston Co. chapter member Robin Kendrick-Yates replaced his standard front yard with ligustrum shrubs, monkey grass lined beds, 9 crepe myrtle trees and St Augustine lawn starting in 2016.

The lush native front yard garden now contains Buffalo Grass, White Clover, Frogfruit, Lyreleaf Sage, Corpus Christi Fleabane, Pink Evening Primrose, Powder Puff, Horse Herb, and Black Eyed Susan.

Robin says “During the pandemic, I progressively pulled up any remaining turfgrass, composted it, and planted plugs of Frogfruit:) ~ 18” apart.  It took 2 growing seasons for the yard to fill in. In Houston, that is 12 months! Over time I noticed more pollinators of all species and sizes throughout the year-bees, butterflies, moths, flies, and dragonflies. We have red shouldered hawks and Mississippi kites in our trees! A neighbor spotted a Great Egret in our front yard.  Many birds forage insects and seed in our yard.”

About the Region

Fall Symposium 2025 Logo - Teach for the Future

Salado, the location of our Fall 2025 Symposium, lies at the intersection of two ecoregions: the Edwards Plateau (Limestone Cut Plain) and Blackland Prairie (Northern Blackland Prairie).

The Edwards Plateau area is also called the Hill Country; however, this general term covers a much larger area extending farther north. Spring-fed creeks are found throughout the region; deep limestone canyons, rivers, and lakes (reservoirs) are common. Ashe juniper is perhaps the most common woody species found throughout the region. Additional woody species include various species of oak, with live oak (Quercus fusiformis) being the most common. Sycamores (Platanus occidentalis) and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) border waterways. This area is well known for its spring wildflower displays, though they may be viewed in spring, late summer, and fall, as well. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, average annual rainfall in the Edwards Plateau ranges from 15 to 34 inches.

The Blackland Prairie extends from the Red River south to San Antonio, bordered on the west by the Edwards Plateau and the Cross Timbers, and on the east by the Post Oak Savannah. Annual rainfall averages 30 to 40 inches, with higher averages to the east. This region is dominated by prairie species. The most common grass species include little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) in the uplands and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in the riparian areas and drainages. Common herbaceous flowering plants include salvias, penstemons, and silphiums. This area has suffered greatly from overgrazing and agricultural use. Few intact areas remain, though many of the plants can be found along county roadsides throughout the region.

Our fall Symposium host chapter, the Tonkawa Chapter, includes both of these ecoregions.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason