designing intentional and low maintenance landscapes
designing intentional and low maintenance landscapes
My name is Beverly Hill Blondell, and I am a passionate landscape designer based in Houston, Texas. My journey into the world of landscape design began in my own backyard […]
My name is Beverly Hill Blondell, and I am a passionate landscape designer based in Houston, Texas. My journey into the world of landscape design began in my own backyard after my husband and I bought our first home. What started as a simple gardening experiment soon turned into a profound love for native plants and their incredible ecological benefits.
With a background in fashion design, I bring a unique aesthetic sense to my landscape projects, merging beauty and functionality. After experiencing the challenges of alternating Houston droughts and freezes, I sought to deepen my understanding of Texas native plants. Through the Native Plant Society of Texas, I earned my levels 1-4 Certification in the Native Landscape Certification Program and became thoroughly engaged in local educational resources.
Today, my backyard is home to around 100 different species of native plants, serving as a vibrant test-kitchen for learning about these diverse flora. I have come to appreciate the critical role that native plants play in supporting our local wildlife. I am thrilled to share my knowledge and enthusiasm with others, helping them appreciate that native landscapes can be both stunning and low-maintenance.
At Bayou Native, my mission is to redefine the perception of native plants in our communities. I am here to show Houstonians that with a little creativity and the right guidance, we can achieve beautiful, intentional, and sustainable landscapes that are not only cost-effective but also beneficial for our environment. Together, let’s create spaces that enhance both our homes and the natural world around us.
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