A client in central Texas recently reached out to me for help designing her southern-facing bed. She had a large, empty corner to fill and narrow beds stretching across the front of the house. She wanted color, and her husband wanted a pollinator haven.
We anchored the beds with evergreen Yaupon Hollies, Red Yuccas, and Texas sage to create winter interest.
- Yaupon hollies are reliable shrubs for small beds. They stay around 4ft, and they are tolerant of lots of different planting conditions.
- Red yuccas are also great for small garden spaces, especially if they are exposed to lots of sun. They are often found in Texas high way medians, exposed to the blazing sun all day long. In the spring, they shoot up red blooms that hummingbirds love. Their foliage stays green throughout the year.
- Texas Sage is a beautiful silvery plant with soft purple flowers. Old wive's tales say that they bloom when rain is on the way, earning them the nickname "barometer bush."
- A birdbath not only adds year-long interest, but provides a water source for birds and pollinators.
In the spring, the salvia and red yucca will start off the parade of blooms. Yarrow and coreopsis blooms follow close behind, keeping the garden bright and buzzing through the summer. Coneflower will take centerstage as we head into fall, and the seed heads will not only add texture but feed the birds as we head into winter.
Of course, one of the major challenges of planting Texas sun-loving perennials is that they need well-drained soil to thrive. Most builder-grade beds are filled with clay and beer cans, so I always recommend my clients add compost to their beds before planting. Compost is the closest thing there is to a one-size fits all solution to crappy soil. Just mix it in as much as you can and water a day or two before you plant. After you plant, mulch everything well to protect the roots.
This design was for central Texas, but it will work in north Texas and similar regions as well. If you need a custom design tailored to your area, you can request a free garden design quote here. Every package includes a hand-picked plant list, a 2D rendering, and a planting maps so all you have to do is shop, dig, plant, and enjoy your garden for years to come.
Happy planting,
Susan T.
Saturday Gardens
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