Strive and Thrive in Texas

On Saturday, the ladies of the Westmont Garden Club visited the Resource Connection where the Tarrant County Master Gardeners often offer classes. This one was Strive and Thrive in the Drought.

We were reminded that some plants go dormant in the hot Texas summer and drop leaves to conserve moisture or eliminate the need for it. Like in the winter months, it's not wise to pull up perennials that may be dormant and not dead.

Suggested plants that withstand the Texas heat:

Border:
Katie Ruellia (Mexican Petunia)


Bedding:
Purple Coneflower/Echinacea purpurea (Asteraceae)



Blue Mist Flower


Shade Flowers
Turk's Cap


Low Growing Shrub
Texas Lantana


Other suggestions:
Autumn Sage
Rock Rose
Flame Acanthus
Yaupon Holly
Texas Sage/Texas Ranger Sage


Note: Drought tolerant plants need ample water the first year of planting.

Texas Flowers

We have had weather that feels like Death Valley temperatures on a mild day (in the 100s) and little rain to speak of although there were a few sprinkles in the early hours this morning. When I started planning my garden I researched native plants and drought resistant perennials and those have done well even in the dry months. The yellow flowers are lantana, the taller purple flowers are Mexican petunia and the lavender flowers in front are plumbago. Behind the lantana, a rosemary bush is slightly hidden. That stays green all winter and looks good after the lantana and petunia have died off. Spreading over the arbor is a lady banks rose bush which has abundant tiny pale yellow roses in the spring. The bird bath is a painted flower pot with a flower pot saucer on top.