51 lines
2.8 KiB
Markdown
51 lines
2.8 KiB
Markdown
# North Texas Backyard Pollinator Garden Plan
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## Objective
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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.
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## Plant Selection
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### Native and Drought-Tolerant Plants
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- **Coral Honeysuckle** (_Lonicera sempervirens_): Hummingbird-attracting vine for trellises.
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- **Butterfly Milkweed** (_Asclepias tuberosa_): Essential for Monarch butterflies.
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- **Purple Coneflower** (_Echinacea purpurea_) & **Black-eyed Susan** (_Rudbeckia hirta_): Butterfly-attracting flowers.
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- **Autumn Sage** (_Salvia greggii_) & **Texas Lantana** (_Lantana urticoides_): Drought-resistant, nectar-rich flowers.
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- **Rosemary** (_Rosmarinus officinalis_), **Thyme** (_Thymus vulgaris_), **Lavender** (_Lavandula spp._), **Basil** (_Ocimum basilicum_): Fragrant herbs, also attract pollinators.
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- **Optional**: **Switchgrass** (_Panicum virgatum_) or **Gulf Muhly** (_Muhlenbergia capillaris_): Ornamental grasses for texture and wildlife shelter.
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### Water Feature Selection
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- **Eco-Friendly Options**: Solar-powered fountains or birdbaths.
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- **Location**: Visible, accessible, near plants, avoiding leaf debris.
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- **Shallow Water Design**: 1-2 inch depth with flat rocks for birds and butterflies.
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- **Moving Water Feature**: To attract more wildlife and deter mosquitoes.
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- **Plant Surroundings**: Low-growing, moisture-loving plants like ferns and wildflowers.
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## Planting Schedule and Care
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### Preparation (Late Winter/Early Spring)
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- Clear area of weeds and debris.
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- Amend soil with organic matter for drainage and fertility.
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- Plan planting arrangement for sunlight and spacing.
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### Planting (Spring/Early May)
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- Source plants from local nurseries.
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- Follow recommended spacing, placing Mint in containers.
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### Initial Care (Spring/Summer)
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- Regular watering for root establishment.
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- Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
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- Monitor for pests, maintain water feature cleanliness.
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### Ongoing Care (All Seasons)
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- Water as needed, use drip irrigation for efficiency.
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- Fertilize with organic compost.
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- Prune, deadhead, and harvest herbs.
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- Fall cleanup to prevent pests and diseases.
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- Winter water feature maintenance, consider a heater to prevent freezing.
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## Sustainability and Wildlife Attraction
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- **Natural Shelter**: Incorporate elements like rock piles for wildlife.
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- **Seasonal Blooms**: Plant variety for continuous food sources.
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- **Composting**: Use compost for soil enrichment.
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- **Natural Pest Control**: Promote beneficial insects.
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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.
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