# North Texas Backyard Pollinator Garden Plan

## Objective
Create an inviting, fragrant, and low-maintenance garden in a 2.5 ft x 50 ft arc-shaped area along the backyard fence in Lewisville, Texas. The garden will attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators, while providing culinary herbs and being resilient to local weather extremes.

## Plant Selection
### Native and Drought-Tolerant Plants
- **Coral Honeysuckle** (_Lonicera sempervirens_): Hummingbird-attracting vine for trellises.
- **Butterfly Milkweed** (_Asclepias tuberosa_): Essential for Monarch butterflies.
- **Purple Coneflower** (_Echinacea purpurea_) & **Black-eyed Susan** (_Rudbeckia hirta_): Butterfly-attracting flowers.
- **Autumn Sage** (_Salvia greggii_) & **Texas Lantana** (_Lantana urticoides_): Drought-resistant, nectar-rich flowers.
- **Rosemary** (_Rosmarinus officinalis_), **Thyme** (_Thymus vulgaris_), **Lavender** (_Lavandula spp._), **Basil** (_Ocimum basilicum_): Fragrant herbs, also attract pollinators.
- **Optional**: **Switchgrass** (_Panicum virgatum_) or **Gulf Muhly** (_Muhlenbergia capillaris_): Ornamental grasses for texture and wildlife shelter.

### Water Feature Selection
- **Eco-Friendly Options**: Solar-powered fountains or birdbaths.
- **Location**: Visible, accessible, near plants, avoiding leaf debris.
- **Shallow Water Design**: 1-2 inch depth with flat rocks for birds and butterflies.
- **Moving Water Feature**: To attract more wildlife and deter mosquitoes.
- **Plant Surroundings**: Low-growing, moisture-loving plants like ferns and wildflowers.

## Planting Schedule and Care
### Preparation (Late Winter/Early Spring)
- Clear area of weeds and debris.
- Amend soil with organic matter for drainage and fertility.
- Plan planting arrangement for sunlight and spacing.

### Planting (Spring/Early May)
- Source plants from local nurseries.
- Follow recommended spacing, placing Mint in containers.

### Initial Care (Spring/Summer)
- Regular watering for root establishment.
- Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
- Monitor for pests, maintain water feature cleanliness.

### Ongoing Care (All Seasons)
- Water as needed, use drip irrigation for efficiency.
- Fertilize with organic compost.
- Prune, deadhead, and harvest herbs.
- Fall cleanup to prevent pests and diseases.
- Winter water feature maintenance, consider a heater to prevent freezing.

## Sustainability and Wildlife Attraction
- **Natural Shelter**: Incorporate elements like rock piles for wildlife.
- **Seasonal Blooms**: Plant variety for continuous food sources.
- **Composting**: Use compost for soil enrichment.
- **Natural Pest Control**: Promote beneficial insects.

By adhering to these guidelines, your garden will be a sustainable, visually appealing habitat for local wildlife, with minimal maintenance requirements and strong resilience to North Texas weather conditions.
