Fun Family Excursion will Beautify Your Life!
posted by: sue on October 27th, 2010
There is no better time to plant in Central Texas than now! Plants will have a long establishment time before getting socked with the searing summer heat. We can work happily in the garden without sweating ourselves to dried husks.
Photo from Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center NPIN website.
And often times, nurseries will reduce the pricing on some stock to move it before the fall planting season is over (they rather see their beauties going home with a loving family than sitting forlorn all the winter).
Photo from Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center NPIN website.
Such is the case at Paradise Palms at York Creek. You’ve passed it a jillion times on your way to San Antonio. They specialize in palms. Look at our native Texas sabals, sotol and yuccas.
For the kids, there are roaming pet chickens, peacocks and even a turkey who police the area for naughty grasshoppers and the like. One of the chickens even pecks around the nursery with two little chicks in tow – it is adorable.
They also have tons of other plant stock. For my frugalistas, I found some gorgeous shade tolerant American Beautyberry in their 1/2 off sale area, as well as
lovely Mexican Heather, which isn’t a heather at all but Cuphea hyssopfolia (plant this in an area protected in winter – it’s a little tender for our zone). Such a deal! They are also having a special on shade trees – 25% off. Sweet!
Sorry this is so blurry - getting used to my new iPhone... That sign says Monterrey Oak $299 + 25% off!
They will deliver and install for you. Phone number is 830-626-3344 – they are just south of the outlets in San Marcos (I-35at exit 195).
Please note that nurseries are in business, and will sell plants that people will buy, not necessarily what will deliver the best ecosystem services. This startling statement: “Conventional gardens often work against nature.” is important to understand as you plan your landscape and is fully explained here: http://www.landscapeforlife.org/
Also do me a favor – please buy only plants that are not on the Texas Invasives list. These marauders work to destroy our environment by crowding out the plants that are legitimately here, the ones that our fauna rely on for food and habitat. I thank you and our ecosystem thanks you.
~ Sue Lambe, ASLA
