Program Summary for Feb 13: Wildlife in Your Garden with Kelly Simon

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— by Randy Pensabene

At our February 13, 2020 chapter meeting, Kelly Conrad Simon showed the audience how to use a variety of native plants to create a Texas Wildscape that can meet human needs for a visually appealing landscape while also providing the plants much-needed by wildlife. She demonstrated how by providing the basic elements of habitat (food, shelter and water) in your garden, Texans can attract an exciting variety of birds, butterflies, frogs and lizards and bring the beauty and vitality of nature home.

The most important step in developing a Wildscape is learning about the plants and soils that characterize your region. Since wildlife thrives in the presence of plants they have adapted to, native plants are encouraged in Wildscapes. Introduced plants are not good substitutes for the native plants used by wildlife.

Plants native to your area provide both food and shelter requirements for wildlife. Select plants for their food value as well as plants that will grow to different heights and density. This layering effect will allow wildlife to select areas they find most comfortable.

View Kelly’s presentation at this link.

Learn about native plants through the Native Landscape Certification Program (NLCP)  with classes focused on the local area. Find schedule info here.


You can see the February 13, 2020 business presentation slides here.

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Program Summary: Sep 12, Getting Started with Texas Native Plants Panel

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— by Randy Pensabene

On Sept 12th, we held a discussion panel on “Getting Started with Texas Native Plants”. Members and guests were treated to a panel of local NPSOT members who have experience working with and teaching others about native plants.

A few days before the meeting, a survey was sent to solicit questions. These questions were included in a step-by-step ‘how-to’ overview presentation. Additional questions were taken during the meeting.

The presentation covered:

  • how to plan a landscape
  • prepare your bed
  • select and install native plants
  • plant establishment and maintenance

The panel discussion also covered three different methods of killing lawn grass to create a bed area for planting. Our handout gave everyone specific information on the processes presented and included recommended websites and books to find more information.

So, whether you were new to the area and wanted to know what to plant, were looking for ideas on different native plants to work with, or had a burning question regarding native plants, or just wanted to know more about the Texas Native Plant Society, your needs were addressed.


You can see the August 12, 2019 business presentation slides here.

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On Sept 12: Getting Started with Texas Native Plants

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— by Gary Bowers

Are you new to the area and want to know what to plant? Maybe you have experience with native plants and you’re looking for ideas on some different native plants to work with? Or maybe you just want to know more about the Texas Native Plant Society.

Join us on Thursday, Sept 12 at the Georgetown Public Library for our “Getting Started with Texas Native Plants” panel discussion. Our panel will be made up of local members who have experience working with and teaching others about native plants.  Submit questions to the panel in advance by completing the survey at this link.

Come and learn more about how native plants can help you save water, provide nectar plants for native pollinators, and give shelter and food for birds.

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NPSOT-Williamson County meetings are free and open to the public.

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