Spring Cleaning Isn't Just Indoors - Time To Spruce Up The Gardens

Hey y'all, as spring paints Texas with its colorful brush, let's have a little chat about sprucing up our outdoor spaces and giving some love to our native plants.

Now, imagine this: as we gear up for some landscaping fun, let's not forget about those pesky invaders – invasive species. Think of them as the unwanted guests crashing our backyard BBQ party. We're talking about troublemakers like Chinese Privet, King Ranch Bluestem, and the notorious Giant Reed. These guys mess with our ecosystems, hog resources, and just generally cause chaos.

But fear not! We're not just here to complain about the invaders. No, sir! It's time to show some love to our Texas natives. We're talking about the real MVPs – plants like Texas Bluebonnets, Indian Blanket, and Texas Sage. These babies have been rocking it in our state for ages, so they know how to handle our wild weather like seasoned pros. 

And here's the best part: native plants are like the superheroes of landscaping. They're tough cookies that don't need a ton of water or fancy fertilizers to thrive. Plus, they're like a five-star hotel for local wildlife, offering up tasty treats and cozy shelters for all our critter friends.

But wait, there's more! Native plants are also doing their part to fight climate change. With their super-deep roots, they keep our soil in place and even suck up some of that nasty carbon from the air. So by planting natives, we're not just making our yards look pretty – we're helping save the planet, one plant at a time! Ok - maybe not that dramatic, but you get the picture. Using native plants is really important for a well-balanced landscape.

Now, when it comes to picking out plants for your Texas yard, the options are as endless as a Texas sky. You've got everything from rugged Desert Marigolds to elegant Texas Redbuds. If you haven't ever been to Leaf Landscape Supply or The Natural Gardener - both of them are located near my home in Southwest Austin. They are a must visit - especially for beautiful and hardy native plants.

But planting natives is just the beginning. We've gotta give these babies some TLC to help them really thrive. That means watering them right, giving them a cozy blanket of mulch, and maybe a little trim here and there. Trust me, your plants will thank you with a burst of beautiful blooms that'll make your neighbors green with envy! And great curb appeal means you increase your homes value - two birds, one stone as they say.

So, as you dive into your spring cleaning this year, let's not forget to give a shoutout to our Texas natives. They're the real stars of the show, turning our yards into little slices of Lone Star paradise. So let's roll up our sleeves, plant with purpose, and let our native plants steal the spotlight!

If you want to share any of your pictures or photos, hop on over to Instagram and tag me (@jbhwilkinson). I'll be sure to be posting some good insights over there in the coming days.