How to Landscape With Native Plants in Midland, Texas

Identify the area that needs to be landscaped. You should think about what your vision is for the area. Are you wanting to plant a colorful butterfly garden or does the area need a little ground cover? If the area is in front of a window, choose shorter plants so that you do not cover the view from the room. Be sure that the area drains well.

Clear the area with a shovel or a rake and remove any nonnative plants. Consider a rock or wood border to distinguish the area from grass.

Research the plants you would like to integrate into the landscape. Be sure to choose plants that are a variety of sizes for visual appeal. Generally, you plant the tallest in back, and smaller and mid-sized plants in the middle and front. The Midland Native Plant Society recommends using some of the following native butterfly and hummingbird-loving plants: autumn sage, Texas lantana, turk's cap, red yucca, four-nerve daisy, blue sage, and blue mist flower. The Sibley Nature Center also recommends implementing native shrubs such as antique roses, fall butterfly bush and Texas sage.

Purchase your plants from a local nursery or catch a sale at the Sibley Nature Center.

Plant them in the prepared area.

Add mulch to the plant bed to prevent soil erosion and protect the soil from water loss.

Water the area immediately after planting and every week until plants are established. After they are established, most of the plants will need to be watered every 3 weeks if it has not rained.