Central Texas garden tour July 2024

[@Psalm2515]

Thank you for sharing your garden with us. This was my first year trying my hand at anything other than potted plants. I worked really hard in the spring to create four garden beds. When the storms came through and seemingly undid all of my hard work, I was discouraged and thought about giving up on gardening. After feeling sorry for myelf long enough, I realized that unforeseen events in the garden are all part of the journey. I also learned not to be so rigid with my new hobbby; to loosen up and roll with the punches!

[@theplantninja-texasgardener]

You summed it up perfectly! The garden is teaching me the same💗🌻

[@avabales6415]

you are the coolest aunt ever!!! that's my tia yall 🤍🙌

[@theplantninja-texasgardener]

🥹Thanks Sweets for watching my video and giving me some Tia clout! Love you tremendously 💗

[@debbiebryan5426]

What a wonderful tour. Thank you and thank you for sharing the nursery and the beautiful plants for Central Texas.

[@theplantninja-texasgardener]

Thank-you for watching! I’m so glad you enjoyed it💗

[@shadedfromreality]

It is looking SO very beautiful and the sight of all of those butterflies ... just wow! I don't think I would ever want to leave your back porch!

[@theplantninja-texasgardener]

Thanks! Just a month later the agastache died on me, my cucumbers are overrun with aphids, and my plateau goldeneye split at the base…but lots of other things are thriving. That’s just how it goes in the garden😝Thanks for stopping by💗

[@shadedfromreality]

@@theplantninja-texasgardener That sounds about right!!! At least you caught the good stuff on video:)

[@theplantninja-texasgardener]

@@shadedfromreality my thoughts exactly 😎🙌

[@Meport1105]

Wow look at all the butterfly’s!

[@theplantninja-texasgardener]

I know! That mistflower doesn’t disappoint 👉kzbin.infomOYKxIXZSzY?si=ikr9EcGYq5SuO0KO

[@sharonblackweaver4117]

Your video just showed up for me. So thankful. So much helpful and encouraging information. Thank you! I live in the Hill Country of Texas.

[@theplantninja-texasgardener]

I’m so glad you’re here and that the video was helpful! If you haven’t found her already here’s another Hill Country gardener:youtube.com/@therockyhillgardener?si=Q-v5x7dzlgqnUvGL

[@TexasMyTexas]

Hey neighbor!! East Texas here…your garden is just beautiful. Next time I’m Southward, I’ll have to swing by the Nectar Bar. Looks like they have some interesting varieties. It’s hard to find a nursery that doesn’t just carry the same o’l plants year after year. Enjoyed your video! ☺️☺️

[@theplantninja-texasgardener]

Love some east Texas! Thank-you for that compliment and I’m glad you’re considering the Nectar Bar. The owner is a wealth of knowledge and lovely to speak to. My current garden situation can best be described as…crispy😂

[@bredear]

I love all the awesome plants you got! The zinnias with the MealyBlue Sage look so happy. The Golden Groundsel is a shade plant, I have mine underneath a live oak and it thrives there. I can see all the butterflies around, your garden is beautiful. Thank you.

[@theplantninja-texasgardener]

Thank-you! Good to know about the golden groundsel. I wanted to try it because it’s evergreen. Maybe next time in a shadier spot😊

[@lionelreesable]

Thank you for the extremely informative video. You have a beautiful garden. You made me pull out my notebook and after three pages of notes later I can report that I am grateful to you. Coincidentally, what are those 3 large evergreens on the fence? I would like to get some to block my neighbor. Talking about things not going to plan, well I had a recent event. I had to travel on business for nearly a week and while away the utility company came to cut the limbs from near the power lines. Well, the back part of my yard was a home for all sorts of animals, including bluebirds, 4 families of owls, rabbits, raccoons a bobcat family. While I was gone those utility company uncivilized mutts came in with some sort of machine and took out 30 feet wide by a couple hundred feet area with no concern about anything. I am a fully grown man and tough as nails but when I say what they did I could not hold back the tears. I sat on a log for an hour with my dog trying to console me. Even he was surprised. Thank God for the guidance of my grade school nuns or I would have acted out of character. I loved those owls and they were becoming familiar and friendly, I hope they found a great new home. I am very sorry to post such a dark event but as you know it’s not all butterflies and roses for us gardeners. Again, thank you and best wishes.

[@theplantninja-texasgardener]

So sorry to hear about the loss of habitat. That’s disheartening for sure. Good news is you can recreate some of that habitat in your own yard and judging from your notes, you’re planning on it. Those three evergreens are Spartan junipers. They do amazing in dry areas but can be tricky in wetter areas and prone to disease. A few other considerations are:1) Nellie R Stevens Holly. It gets much wider than these junipers but is evergreen and has that pyramidal growth habit. 2)sky pencil holly. These are 3’ in width but usually only 10 or so feet in height. Keep in mind holly berries are poisonous in case you have curious pets. Hang in there my friend and thanks for checking in!

[@lionelreesable]

@@theplantninja-texasgardener Thanks for the feedback. Best wishes.

[@JosTXGarden]

I’m so behind on my video watching! Now I’m binging everything I’ve missed on your channel. I absolutely love seeing your garden grow. You always inspire me! “Cucumber surprise” 😂

[@theplantninja-texasgardener]

Thanks girl💗🙌

[@luisreviews6412]

Your garden is doing great!

[@theplantninja-texasgardener]

Thanks Luis!

[@GardnerWest]

It’s beautiful and all the insects love it too 🌱😆

[@theplantninja-texasgardener]

Thank you for stopping by Lenny! 😊

[@sharongrimes2079]

Your video popped up on my feed today. it’s always great to find a central Texas gardener. Would love to know exactly where you’re located! Hats off to zone 8B!

[@theplantninja-texasgardener]

Hey neighbor I’m in Nolanville🙌

[@PlasBachGarden]

Envious of your zinnias and the great blooms from scattering seed! I'm having to coddle and pamper mine, but hopefully they'll get there!

[@theplantninja-texasgardener]

I’m so excited that they’ve been minimal maintenance. I hope it stays that way through summer😊

[@PlasBachGarden]

@@theplantninja-texasgardener Hope so too! Keep us posted! 💕

[@summerofstacey6676]

I’ve been adding Texas natives to my garden this year as well. You’ve introduced me to so many I didn’t know about 🤓❤️ I’m in DFW, zone 8!

[@theplantninja-texasgardener]

Love that! While I’m not a purist when it comes to natives, they have outperformed so many of my other plants that I’ve taken a deeper dive into them. I’ve learned a bunch about native plants from small local nurseries.

[@summerofstacey6676]

@@theplantninja-texasgardener agree with that…workers are much more knowledgeable up here at places like Northhaven Gardens and Covington’s rather than the corporate garden centers like Calloways and they have much more Texas inventory than Calloways

[@MikeB_2112]

Hi 👋🏼. Just found your channel and subscribed. Was looking for other Texas gardeners near my zone of 9a in Corpus Christi. So glad I found your channel. Very very informative and you keep a beautiful garden. I have some of the same plants as yours so I am eager to watch your videos. Thank you for the tour and great info. 😊

[@theplantninja-texasgardener]

Hey neighbor! My mom is in Rockport. She has a stunning garden💗. Thanks for joining the journey and I welcome your input! 🙌

[@jeanflores2242]

Looking pretty good considering the heat we've had. My cukes look awful. I shockingly have no zinnias this year. Believe it or not, there are some Bluebonnets coming up in the gravel and one of our pots. lol

[@theplantninja-texasgardener]

Jean! Hey girl! I think my cukes are starting to get a little misshapen(not enough water? Heat?) but so far it’s still cucumber surprise every morning😊 Love that you have a few rogue bluebonnets. Volunteer flowers always make me so happy!

[@jeanflores2242]

@@theplantninja-texasgardener A little of both. Mine are the same. Bitter, too, from the heat. I cut mine back and am not letting it fruit. I'll baby them and hope they can make it to Fall and come back. I doubt the Bluebonnets will make it, but we'll see. It'd be fun to have them blooming in the Fall. Fingers crossed.

[@New-Hat-Gardening]

Adding Nectar Bar next time I visit San Antonio 👍🏼

[@theplantninja-texasgardener]

It’s a tiny nursery but full of native plants I’d never heard of before. Drake was a wealth of knowledge! Here’s a great interview with her and CTG. Enjoy! kzbin.info/www/bejne/g3zSaZ6wha-dqrcsi=mS6SRcugxFNVJGoE

[@New-Hat-Gardening]

@@theplantninja-texasgardener thank you! will watch now ❤ Send me anything right now. I'm in bed with Covid and looking for things to pass the time while I heal.

[@New-Hat-Gardening]

@@theplantninja-texasgardener one plant i love that I didnt see in your garden is Artemisia. Its a beautiful super drought tolerant plant I have repliced in my garden because of its blue foliage. Start small in like 1 gallon pots becasue it grows fast. Enjoy!

[@theplantninja-texasgardener]

@@New-Hat-Gardening so sorry you’re sick! Hopefully it is short lived and you are on the mend quickly. If you haven’t discovered it yet, Central Texas Gardener’s KZbin channel is full of so much good stuff! I have a few other favorites, though not gardening. Let me copy some links and I’ll post them in the replies🙌

[@theplantninja-texasgardener]

@@New-Hat-Gardening youtube.com/@americanexperiencepbs?si=HvzshaXv3tbDdt-d favorite history documentaries.

[@jeaniemcdaris8276]

❤

[@joansmith3492]

Very nice tour Natalie! it is helpful to know what other gardeners are having success with and their challenges too. now i want a golden lead ball tree. is that the right name?

[@theplantninja-texasgardener]

Thanks Joan! Hope all is well in your garden! Goldenball leadtree is correct. I’m already planning on where to put the liatris this fall😊

[@ab.collage]

Your garden is amazing. Mine is also Texas natives, but it’s a container garden on a balcony. It’s struggling in this heat. Resiliency is definitely the key word.

[@theplantninja-texasgardener]

Container gardening is tough for me in terms of keeping up with watering. My automated drip system has saved me from forgetting to water and I’ve recently seen some that are solar powered with a water reservoir that look promising. Hang in there and much respect keeping a container garden alive in Texas heat🙌

[@aaronwoodley9624]

🤟🤟🤙🤙🥏🥏

[@itsredslife]

Hello. Where did you get your zexmenia ?

[@theplantninja-texasgardener]

A local nursery called Grizzlies in Nolanville. I typically source my natives from small local nurseries versus big box. If you’re local to me shoot me an email. I have plenty of volunteers🙌

[@itsredslife]

@@theplantninja-texasgardener Thank you. I'm not close, but if I am ever that way, I will be in touch!

[@JoanWerner]

what way does your garden face ?

[@theplantninja-texasgardener]

Hello! My backyard (this tour) is mostly eastern exposure.

[@donnajoy6951]

@@theplantninja-texasgardenerI was gonna ask the same question. Redesigning this fall and will use a lot of you suggestions. I am north of you in Dallas perhaps a bit hotter. Did someone help you design the layout. Thanks for the tour

[@theplantninja-texasgardener]

@@donnajoy6951 I’m really excited to hear this! Get ready for some birds and pollinators! I designed my own layout. Figured central turf was practical with small dog and kids and that left the perimeter to work with. Sunniest part of the perimeter became my vegetable garden and the rest has been through trial and error. There’s a wonderful gardener in DFW area if you haven’t found her channel already: youtube.com/@shadedfromreality?si=rywBtd8Ma91XJacM

[@Truongthikimcuong92]

Hello ❤❤❤ Nice to meet you ❤ support channel 🖐️🙏

[@theplantninja-texasgardener]

Thanks for watching and comment😊

[@TheLivingBackyard]

Oh my goodness, yes! All my ideas, plans and efforts have been obliterated time and again 😵😪😅 If it isn't the squirrels and deer, it was the cut ants... or the weather! You know you are a garden/plant lover, when you see the fails, and then go back to rebuild. I have not gotten into vegetables because I'm afraid of all the moving parts of this equation lol - But I will probably next year! Live and learn, right? Beautiful garden! 💚💚💚

[@theplantninja-texasgardener]

Absolutely Martha! The garden is a great teacher but the reward keeps us coming back. I’m excited to hear about your veggie garden plans💗

[@HoustonKeith72]

I love your videos and learn so much. I'm just down the road in Houston, but our climate can be rather different. We definitely get the heat but we also can be very rainy and humid. Wondering if you have recommendations for foundation shrubs or trees for a small garden that gets lots of sun but can be slow to drain when we get heavy rain? The weather has felt more erratic the past few years, so it sort of feels like a crap shoot at this point. For example, we had an awful drought last summer, unusual for us, that went on a couple of months. So drainage wasn't an issue. But we've had more rain this year so far. And now have tropical storm approaching. So drainage might be an issue this year. ha! I'm going to build out some beds in the fall and want a couple of shrubs or small trees as foundation plants. Any wisdom you can share is welcome. I'm a big fan of gomphrena. It has been a star in my garden this summer. Also salvia of course. Going to definitely try the mist flower next spring. Wonderful tour as always!

[@theplantninja-texasgardener]

What an encouraging comment! Love sharing the journey and learning from others. In terms of good drainage, do you have clay soil? I do, and I find that working 2-3” of expanded shale into the top 6” of soil very helpful for drainage. However if you have very sandy soil that’s a different situation. A couple of favorites are autumn sage and dwarf yaupon holly. These have done amazing in drought and the heavy rains. Both are evergreen and the autumn sage flowers. At maturity, both are about 3-4’ in height and spread. I hope that helps😊

[@HoustonKeith72]

@@theplantninja-texasgardener it is clay based yes. Thank you for the advice!

[@renebyers6153]

Hello 👋 N Texas 8A here. Curious to know how much/often you watered in the drought of mid to late August with your native drought tolerant beds. New to gardening and believe I over watered my drought tolerant beds...

[@theplantninja-texasgardener]

My answer will probably be a bit annoying because I water when the plants look like they need it.😝Typically wilting still present in the morning was my main indicator. I’m guessing I watered about twice a month in my established native beds and maybe once a week in my less established beds. How’s your soil drainage? I have clay soil and had to amend with compost or expanded shale. I have also noticed weed barrier interferes with the movement of water in or out of the bed.

[@laurenappa7233]

Hi! Texas resident here 👋 We’ve been considering replacing the grass in our small urban backyard with artificial turf while adding more native plants in the existing flower beds. Have you considered turf for your backyard? If so, what pros and cons come to mind? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Thank you for your amazing channel! Cheers!

[@theplantninja-texasgardener]

What an excellent question! Full disclosure, I do not know much about artificial turf, so take this as a novice opinion. Cost aside, I can absolutely see the benefit of water conservation and minimal maintenance. I suppose I’ve not considered artificial turf primarily because I have a personal goal of improving the ecology in my yard, and I know artificial turf won’t get me closer to that goal. I’m assuming the artificial turf will end up in a landfill at the end of its use? I wonder if erosion under the turf is a real concern? Though I fully admit a closely cropped nonnative lawn has minimal ecological benefit as well. We do know that a healthy lawn can cool the surrounding air by as much as 30 degrees and can help recharge groundwater(agrilifetoday.tamu.edu/2020/08/11/healthy-lawns-and-healthy-waters-program-helps-texans-save-water-money/). Obviously the problem is the input of water, fertilizer, and mowing to maintain a lawn. This is my main reason for wanting to reduce my lawn size to something more reasonable. Of course “no lawn” is another option. Pam Penick is an amazing Texas landscape designer who has a great book on this: www.amazon.com/dp/1607743140/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_YW5DTAWZQ9ABMJYH5K0P?linkCode=ml2&tag=theplantninja-20 She also has a lovely blog: www.penick.net/digging/ There are some promising programs at A&M breeding more drought tolerant st Augustine and zoysia( dallas.tamu.edu/turfgrass-breeding/ ). I hope I helped to give you some considerations on the topic. Best wishes as you make your decision!

[@ErikAmon-ct3xx]

I just had to drop by this video to comment about the CentralTexasGardener video that just dropped! I was so shocked and thrilled to see you on the thumbnail. I've been following you for a while but never really say too much 😅. I think its awesome that you got featured so more people can find your channel. Behind the scenes you've helped me alot with how to garden. Looking forward to see whats next!

[@theplantninja-texasgardener]

This comment was such an encouragement! I’m so grateful that other gardeners are willing to join me on the journey. IMO gardening is better in community. Thanks for being a part of it, and for taking the time to cheer me on💗

[@TheGonebald]

Beautiful yard! I completely agree with letting volunteers thrive. I’ve done that with my Flame Acanthus, Gregg’s Mist Flower and Four Nerve Daisy. I especially like the Four Nerve Daisy as it flowers year round. I’m super jealous of your vegetables. Mine were wiped out by leaf footed bugs.

[@theplantninja-texasgardener]

Thank-you for watching and the kind words! Solidarity my friend. My veggie garden this time last year was overrun by aphids. I’ve had a few other garden setbacks, but this year have done better in terms of garden pests. 😊

[@Meport1105]

Wow I’m in 8b and man this was helpful. I love the Xenia’s! I do have an issue with in consistency.

[@theplantninja-texasgardener]

I’m so glad! I hear you on the struggle to remain consistent in the garden, especially in the heat of summer. I’ve found my native plants tolerate my inconsistency better 😝

[@LibbyOnTheLabel.]

Wonderful video. Definitely inspired me to add more variety to my garden.

[@theplantninja-texasgardener]

I’m always happy to enable plant shopping😝

[@marynielson1705]

I watch lots and lots of gardening videos, and your garden is one of my favorite!

[@theplantninja-texasgardener]

You made my day! Thanks for taking the time to watch and encourage😊

[@dr.seanmcanarney7374]

Loved seeing more of you, the Gardner!!

[@theplantninja-texasgardener]

Thanks for being such a great videographer and putting up with me being bossy😂