Gardening with native plants can help address North Texas environmental challenges such as extreme heat, drought and flash flooding. Bethany Symanski, manager of Painted Flower Farm, says, “Planting with natives is imperative. Not only do they add ecological value for our pollinators and wildlife, but they require less water to establish and maintain, generally require less maintenance, offer medicinal uses and foraging abilities, and notably reduce overspending on seasonal plants.”

Because native plants are naturally found in the surrounding landscape, they are already accustomed to local fluctuating temperatures. Native species that show resilience toward scorching summers and drastic freezes will be more adaptable to a shifting climate compared to tropical plants and other non-natives.

“Many native plants develop tap roots, which are a botanical feature allowing them to reach further into the soil bed to access water. They work beautifully during droughts, but also can be valued for reducing risk of erosion,” she explains.

Some are homeowners may be concerned about the “wild” appearance natives exhibit, but there is an abundance of Texas natives to suit every taste. Rhizomatic, or self-seeding, plants can be identified and substituted with compact or clumping species. A nice summer chop can also improve density and provide a tidier look on some perennials that may develop legginess throughout the year.

Symanski says, “All of us benefit from the deliberateness of planting natives! University of North Texas, Texas Women's University, Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Center, city rebates, schools, libraries, median plantings, native plant rescues, our local gardening clubs, Native Plant Society of Texas, Texas Master Naturalists, Texas Master Gardeners, Native Prairie Association and thankfully, many, many more!”

The transformation requires a lot of hard work, but the reward of restoring native land is invaluable. The beautification process is therapeutic because it provides food and habitat to the local ecology, including endangered species, conserves water, outcompetes invasives, increases soil health, adds back native seeds to the seed bank, prevents erosion and minimizes noise pollution.

For more information, visit PaintedFlowerFarm.com.