Smith County – Native Plants Landscaping

TYLER, Texas, August 2026. Gardeners, nature enthusiasts, and homeowners interested in creating beautiful, pollinator-friendly landscapes are invited to attend an upcoming educational program focused on designing native plant gardens with both purpose and visual appeal.

As part of the Summer Garden Series, the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Earth-Kind Committee, Smith County Master Gardeners, City of Tyler Water Utilities, and The Nectar Connector will present “Right Plant, Right Place: Designing Native Plant Gardens with More Intention and Less Chaos” on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Cotton Belt Building classroom, 1517 W. Front Street, Tyler, Texas.

The featured speaker will be Dawn Stover, a horticulturist, conservationist, and consultant with The Nectar Connector. Stover specializes in helping gardeners develop landscapes that support pollinators and wildlife while maintaining beauty, structure, and functionality. During the program, she will discuss how to thoughtfully select and combine native plants to create attractive, well-designed gardens that provide ecological benefits throughout the year.

Native plants have become increasingly popular across East Texas because they provide food and habitat for birds, butterflies, bees, and other beneficial wildlife while often requiring less water, fertilizer, and pesticide use once established. However, many homeowners remain hesitant to use native plants because of the perception that native gardens appear wild or unorganized. This presentation will demonstrate how careful planning and plant selection can create landscapes that are both environmentally beneficial and aesthetically pleasing.

The program is especially timely for East Texas residents seeking gardening solutions that address summer heat, drought conditions, and water conservation concerns. Participants will learn practical strategies for choosing plants that thrive together and creating landscapes that are both sustainable and inviting.

The event is open to home gardeners, Master Gardeners, Master Naturalists, and anyone interested in enhancing their landscape with native plants. Registration is encouraged. Participants may register through the event flyer available on the Greg Grant Gardens Facebook page or by calling the Smith County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office at 903-590-2980.