Join / Renew / Gift Donate Shop Member Portal Language

Search
npsot_bluebonnet_full_color

Native Plant Society of Texas

Big Bend Chapter

Program – Nov 2: Water-wise garden tour

**ARCHIVED POST **

[from Dallas Baxter]

The Big Bend Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas will tour a water-wise garden in central Marfa from 10-12 noon on Saturday, November 2.

Landscape designer Jim Martinez planned this landscape using rainwater, drip irrigation and other water-saving design elements. Participants will learn how to create a sustainable garden of native and adaptive plants.

Martinez and his colleagues, Mary Lou Saxon, Martha Hughes and Jim Fissel, who have just returned from the Texas Book Festival in Austin, will make a brief presentation on the creation of their new book Marfa Garden, the Wonders of Dry Desert Plants, and sign books for purchasers.

The mission of the Native Plant Society is the promotion of research, conservation and utilization of native plants and habitats through education, outreach and example. The Big Bend group meets monthly with programs and field trips. The public is invited to attend and is asked to make a $5 donation which can be used toward a membership on the day of the meeting. Membership information is available at every meeting.

Reservations are required. Contact Martha Latta for more information and directions to the meeting.

See flyer for more information.

**ARCHIVED POST**

**ARCHIVED POST LINKS & PICTURES MAY NOT WORK**

**ARCHIVED POST AUTHOR: billarmstrong

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