Autumn in the Texas Hill Country can be the most beautiful time of year, bringing relief from the triple-digit temps we have been experiencing. But admittedly, when you are in the middle of August, this seasonal change that brings overall relief is difficult to imagine.
• Fall mulching.
I probably sound like a broken record (really dating myself here), but mulch is a year-round friend, and the city of Boerne offers it for free.
Speaking of free, think about what nature provides. When trees drop their leaves, they decompose and are essentially broken down into organic matter that provides “healthy dirt” for plants and wildlife.
So, make it easy on yourself. Instead of raking and bagging leaves to be hauled away, mulch them back into the soil with a mower. Consider starting a compost pile or spreading the leaves in your flower beds and garden. Use nature’s mulch! After the summer we have experienced, your plants and grasses will thank you.
• Fall color?
Let’s face it, we are seeing a lot of brown right now, and most lawns and shrubbery are toast.
But there are native plants that have fared well. The mountain laurel, cenizo (Texas or purple sage), various hollies, American beauty berry and salvias managed to keep their blooms with very little water. Most importantly, they work double time because while they provide food for the pollinators in the spring and summer, they provide seeds or berries in the fall and winter for the birds and wildlife.
• Fall spring fever.
It seems counterintuitive, but really, the best time to prep for spring planting is in the fall. Remember, make it easy on yourself! Remove weeds or diseased plant material and add mulch if needed. Use this time to move or make new beds so that you can spend your time planting in the spring.
Lastly, fall is the best time to plant trees and perennials. This is because fall planting allows their roots to get established before they get too hot.
One tree to consider is the Texas redbud. It is one of the earliest bloomers and a welcomed pollinator food source. For perennials, think about prairie verbena, rock roses or winecups. The list is endless, and I have only scratched the surface.
For more information on gardening with native plants, the Boerne Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas will host its 2022 Fall Native Plant Sale on Saturday, Oct. 22, during the Farmers Market at Herff Farm.
For more information, please visit www.cibolo.org or www.npsot.org.
Felicia Zbranek is a guest columnist for the Cibolo Center for Conservation. The Boerne Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas and The Cibolo often collaborate on programs benefitting the entire community.
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