By Jan Wrede
Guest Columnist

So what is “natural landscape design” anyway? I think of it as using what we already have as the basis for how we choose to enhance our yards. Natural landscape design begins with information about soil, light and water. Then, we can safely choose plants that will do well in the conditions we must live with. Seems obvious, doesn’t it? Practical, that is for sure.

I am particularly attracted to natural landscape design because it lends itself to less work and more enjoyment. There will be more enjoyment especially if you can accept the inherent limitations of living in the Texas Hill Country. Can you let go of wanting hibiscus and other showy plants better suited for Biloxi, Mississippi, than for Boerne, Texas? Can you become excited about native and other plants that are adapted to the soil, light and water you have in your yard?

A common mistake is to go plant shopping at the first sign of spring without doing your soil, light and water homework or making a garden plan. Then, you end up buying what looks good in the nursery that day. These lovely plants will probably end up dying in the heat of summer if the deer don’t eat them first.

So, natural landscaping says, “Start with your soil!” Texas Hill Country soils are nearly all alkaline and rocky, so make sure that you select plants that can thrive in these conditions. I recommend testing your soil or at least looking closely enough to determine if it drains well or holds water. Many plants—even hardy natives—require well-drained soil. Guess what happens to them when planted in clay?

The next step is to consider how much light the plants will get in the area to be planted. Is it deep shade, dappled shade, morning sun, afternoon sun or sun all day? Make sure that you buy plants that do well in whatever light conditions you have to offer.

Now water. We live in a semi-arid climate (average annual rainfall 35 inches) with undependable precipitation. The hard part is that some years—like the last—have plenty of rain (60 inches). This can be confusing and lead to choosing plants that will not survive long-term without excessive and wasteful irrigation. Natural landscape design in the Texas Hill Country says, “Buy xeric plants!”

Okay, if you live on a perennial creek, allow your gray water to irrigate a small portion of your yard or have a huge stored supply of rainwater, you can have some water loving plants. With gray water irrigation, you can plant your favorite water hogs in a gray water wetland and enjoy them pretty much carefree. With 5,000 to 10,000 gallons of storage for landscape irrigation, you can water an extensive and lovely perennial garden that will give you beautiful color all spring, summer and fall.

Most important, with carefully selected xeric plants, lots of mulch and limited fertilizing, you can have a garden that will blossom and attract butterflies and birds when the rain falls. In dry times, it will not be so lovely or alive with beautiful birds and butterflies, but it will survive until the next rain.

To learn more about gardening in harmony with nature, come to a 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Natural Landscape Design workshop at the Cibolo Nature Center presented by Judit Green on Saturday, March 29.

You will learn about how to select, place and care for plants that are well-suited to your site.

At the end of the workshop, we will visit a model natural landscape garden near Boerne that is sure to inspire. Bring your questions and notebook, list of the plants you are considering and a map of your garden. This could be very useful. For more information and to register, call (830 249-4616.