When I spoke with Kelly Simon of Texas Parks and Wildlife for my entry into the Native Plant Society of Texas video contest, she shared a list of a few books with me that she’s found valuable for researching what’s native to a particular area. So, I’m sharing with you… (Note that I’ll earn a few pennies if you buy anything from this list from Amazon)
Texas Wildscapes: Gardening for Wildlife
This is by Kelly (under her previous name) and her colleagues at Texas Parks and Wildlife. A super overview of the topic. Includes pretty detailed plans to create a pond as part of your landscaping. Unfortunately, the DVD that comes with it is no longer operational due to the deprecation of Adobe Flash.
Native Texas Plants: Landscaping Region by Region
I haven’t read this one myself, but Kelly spoke highly of the Wasowskis as authors. This appears to be a good resource for all of the different regions in the Lone Star State.
Native Texas Plants: Maximum Beauty, Minimum Upkeep
I love the title of this one, which speaks to my “lazy gardener” approach. I hate trying to make something fit where it doesn’t naturally belong.
Requiem for a Lawnmower: Gardening in a Warmer, Drier World
Here’s another great title. We still mow our lawn, but we keep the blade pretty high.
The Landscaping Revolution: Garden With Mother Nature, Not Against Her
This speaks to me and the values of working with, rather than fighting, the natural environment.
Building Inside Nature’s Envelope: How New Construction and Land Preservation Can Work Together
In the video, I talk a lot about new construction and growth in the area where we live. I’d like some of the builders, and property owners hiring builders, to get well-educated on this topic.
Wanted! Mountain Cedars, Dead and Alive
Love this and am looking into finding out more about this much-maligned species.
Wildflowers of the Texas Hill Country
Highly recommended in a recent NPSOT class I attended virtually.
Native and Naturalized Woody Plants of Austin and the Hill Country
Also highly recommended. Look forward to getting my hands on it!
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