NATIVE DEMONSTRATION GARDENS
Kathy Henderson, Williamson County Chapter
Presented at NPSOT State Board Meeting - April 19, 2014
OBJECTIVES
What is a Native Demonstration Garden? Why have one? First project: Georgetown Library Second project: Williamson County Landfill Results achieved
WHAT IS A DEMONSTRATION GARDEN?
A designed landscape containing natives and (optionally) well-adapted non-natives.
Located in a very public place
With a message to all:
Good aesthetics
Low water usage
Specialty purposes (butterflies, pollinators, etc.)
Importance of proper maintenance
“Native plants = healthy habitats”
WHY HAVE ONE?
Texas is growing rapidly; Habitat destruction continues
Our water supply is at risk
Demonstration gardens can impact policy makers and the public
We need to “get the word out” more efficiently A public initiative with a lot of leverage
GEORGETOWN LIBRARY – HISTORY
Two demo gardens at old Georgetown Library
First tried a wildscape – not good
Second a managed garden - very successful
Chapter did all the maintenance
Library moved to new building
Maintenance handed to city and contractor with written instructions
Unsatisfactory results
Agnes Plutino
Agnes Plutino
Agnes Plutino
GEORGETOWN LIBRARY – HISTORY II
New library in 2008
Contract designer – African iris, Crepe Myrtle, “row crops”.
2014 Water Reduction initiative by City – an opportunity
City asked for a new native landscape
Collaborative effort
City
NPSOT
Master Naturalists
Another chance to educate and influence
Marilyn Perz Marilyn Perz
Diane Sherrill
Kathy Henderson
Kathy Henderson
Kathy Henderson
Kathy Henderson
Marilyn Perz
WILLIAMSON COUNTY LANDFILL ENTRANCE – POLLINATOR GARDEN
Landfill owned by County
Operated by contractor
Started Gateway project
Hired landscape designer
Beach Vitex, Chinese Pistache, Crepe Myrtle, etc.
Operator asked Master Naturalists about a pollinator garden
NPSOT invited to collaborate
A chance to influence and educate
Marilyn Perz
WILLIAMSON COUNTY LANDFILL ENTRANCE - 2012
Started by planting wildflower garden
Began education about non-natives, invasives, and habitats
Began suggesting alternatives
Butterflies and hummingbirds started arriving
Marilyn Perz
WILLIAMSON COUNTY LANDFILL ENTRANCE - 2013
Wildflower garden growing Permission to start replacing
Vitex NPSOT/Master Naturalist
work sessions Materials and “heavy lifting”
furnished and paid for by landfill operator
Summer open house Public County commissioner New Agri-Life agent
Growing cooperation and education
Marilyn Perz
WILLIAMSON COUNTY LANDFILL ENTRANCE - 2014
Installed rainwater collection system
Obtained TP&WD Wildlife Habitat and Monarch Waystation certifications
Landfill operator decided to remove balance of invasives
Replacing with appropriate natives
Continuing influence and collaboration
Marilyn Perz
Dennis Perz
SO WHY DO THIS?
• Aesthetics• Drought
tolerance• Reduced
water usage• No invasives• Birds and
butterflies• Healthy
habitats
• Collaborations• City/County• Master
Naturalists• Others
• Side-by-side comparisons
• Proper maintenance
• Design• Plant selection• Maintenance
• Mulch/weed• Watering• Trimming by
season
• Natives the better choice
• Teach “native competent” maintenance
• Leverage our knowledge and experience
DemonstrateGain Influence
Build Credibility
Educate Broadly