Planting Native Grasses at the Wildscape

By Sue Ann Kendall

All the preparations have paid off for our pollinator project at the Milam Wildscape. Our grant from the H-E-B Pollinators for Texas is going a long way toward creating just what our target species need.

The pollinators are waiting patiently for their new nectar and pollen sources.

Starting early on Saturday morning, volunteers got their hands dirty and planted many interesting native grasses and ground covers in the new prairie area.

Catherine Johnson explains what kinds of grasses have been planted.

This new section isn’t covered in plastic, because the grasses and ground covers should quickly fill in the space and eliminate unwanted volunteers.

The new area

All the different textures and colors of these grasses will provide a beautiful background for other annual and perennial natives.

There are various new plantings elsewhere, thanks to all the creativity and hard work of our team.

Of course, a visit to the Wildscape isn’t complete without some pollinators. We hope their descendants enjoy all the new plants.

There’s another workday next week, then the plants will settle in next month.

The Pollinators for Texas project is a collaborative effort with H-E-B and the Texas Master Naturalist (TMN) Program focused on enhancing native pollinator conservation across the state by promoting awareness, conservation efforts and creating sustainable pollinator environments. The initiative aims to engage communities in supporting pollinator-friendly practices through funding TMN chapter-led projects and programs.

Getting to Work on Our Grant

by Catherine Johnson

On the first cool day of Autumn, progress continued on the H-E-B Pollinators Across Texas Project at the Milam Wildscape Project.

Many native plants are thriving, including Buttonbush trees, host to Sphinx Moths. Barbados Cherry provides nectar, fruit, and seeds. Goldenrod that was provided by Chapter member Eric is ready to bloom.

We saw pollinators and the new residents.

Wildscape Wildness!

by Catherine Johnson

It looks like a tornado hit the Wildscape, as work will continue all summer to revamp the garden for minimal maintenance and user-friendly spaces. 

Liatris sp. also known as blazing star

New members Bill and Tina tackled overdue chores. 

Lovely new plants

Texas natives to be planted are fall blooming, drought tolerant, and provide seeds or nectar for pollinators.

  • Liatris – of special interest to native bees
  • Blue Grama – Host plant for Skippers
  • Black Dalea – Host plant for Dogface butterfly
  • Blackfoot Daisy – attracts pollinators, honey scented

Come to the Wildscape and visit the pollinators!

June in the Wildscape

by Catherine Johnson

The garden is undergoing major alterations, so hosting programs will be easier and with more room. 

Weston and his brother are new helpers who are eliminating massive overgrowth. 

Some aggressive natives in the space are Passionflower vine and Climbing Cypress.

Most all plants are doing fine since the rains. However, as it dries out, it is always helpful for members or visitors to pick up a hose and water a plant in stress. 

The native trees are tall, including Texas kidneywood, wax myrtle, elbow bush, and button bush.

Seeds are becoming available for the seed library, too. We will have seeds available at the Wildscape very soon.

If you would like to volunteer for chores, email me at cpc69earth@gmail.com. Or, just go see what is going on in June.

New Members Crush It!

by Catherine Johnson

Ten volunteers braved the heat this Saturday. Tina, Bill and granddaughter Jordan worked several hours including transplanting Coral Honeysuckle to the Wild Wings Bird Sanctuary.

Kay worked on weeding and planting Texas Natives Skullcap and Frogfruit. We learned some facts about frogfruit, which was originally Fogfruit because it resembled fog on freshly mowed fields in the Middle Ages.

Jackie cleaned bird baths and Ann, Patricia, Gene, and Cindy contributed helping with chores and sharing nature information.

Members took home Milkweed, Frogfruit, and goody bags.

Do not miss out seeing the Wildscape now with so many blooms.