native plants – Nature Along the El Camino Real

Planting Native Grasses at the Wildscape

November 23, 2025 Sue Ann (Suna) KendallLeave a comment

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.

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.

Antique Rose Emporium

May 1, 2024April 30, 2024 Sue Ann (Suna) KendallLeave a comment

by Catherine Johnson

On the way home from Washington-on-the Brazos, a group of Master Naturalists stopped by to visit the Antique Rose Emporium garden, which was stunning. The new owners are continuing to add structures, add educational programs, and partner with NPSOT to stock many native plants.

One of the caretakers told of how they created a continuous flowing “creek” around the Cypress trees. Available outdoor seating and refreshments help provide a peaceful experience in a Shire-like setting.

Happy May Day! Celebrate with flowers!

Here and There

March 22, 2023 Sue Ann (Suna) KendallLeave a comment

by Catherine Johnson

The last few months have been busy with ice storms, native plant nursery tours and work at our chapter’s Milam Wildscape.

The tour guides Mandy and Brandon taught us about wholesale plant operations and we were able to view many beautiful Texas native plants. The interest in using natives in landscaping is increasing and both businesses are expanding.

Volunteers at our Wildscape have been working to prepare for upcoming educational programs and tours. Hope to see you there.

Thank you to Gary Johnson for driving us to Native Texas Nursery and to Patricia Coombs for taking pictures at Joss Nursery.

Field Trip to Native Texas Nursery

January 28, 2023 Sue Ann (Suna) KendallLeave a comment

by Debbi Harris

Last week, members of our Chapter went on a field trip to the Native Texas Nursery in Manor. The trip was organized by Catherine Johnson, who uses them as a source for many of the plants in our Wildcape. The nursery has 40 acres of outdoor plantings and greenhouses, called casas by the team.