For yourself and the environment you should select trees, shrubs and ground cover based on their adaptability to your region’s soil and climate. Texas is blessed with an abundance of beautiful native plants which are naturally adapted to the region. Most have lower water demands, fewer pest problems and less fertilizer needs than many non-adapted, exotic plants brought into Texas landscapes.
Through the support of the nursery industry, native Texas plants have become more available in retail nurseries and garden centers. Combining Texas natives with well-adapted non-native plants is a key to a beautiful, interesting landscape which conserves water. TAMU offers an online page where you can research and select appropriate plants for our area: Earth-Kind® Plant Selector
Earth-Kind® Landscaping uses research-proven techniques to provide maximum garden and landscape enjoyment while preserving and protecting the environment. The objective of Earth-Kind Landscaping is to combine the best of organic and traditional gardening and landscaping principles to create a horticultural system based on real world effectiveness and environmental responsibility. Earth-Kind Landscaping Encourages:
- Landscape Water conservation
- Reduction of fertilizer and pesticide use
- Landscaping for energy conservation
- Reduction of landscape wastes entering landfills