From 2d258b9f29d1d18b880fb0801b3b8dcabd509b0d Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: medusa Date: Wed, 20 Dec 2023 18:22:46 +0000 Subject: [PATCH] Add docs/north-texas-garden-plan.md --- docs/north-texas-garden-plan.md | 50 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 1 file changed, 50 insertions(+) create mode 100644 docs/north-texas-garden-plan.md diff --git a/docs/north-texas-garden-plan.md b/docs/north-texas-garden-plan.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..402d6ac --- /dev/null +++ b/docs/north-texas-garden-plan.md @@ -0,0 +1,50 @@ +# 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.