Native plants support native wildlife.
June 16, 2025 - East Texans who enjoy gardening and the wildlife that flit through their landscapes will have a chance to learn how to support both at the upcoming Earth-Kind Summer Garden Series program, Ecological Gardening, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Cotton Belt Building on West Front Street in Tyler. The free program is hosted by the Smith County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service’s Earth-Kind Education Committee.
I will be presenting this session, which focuses on practical strategies for creating resilient, wildlife friendly landscapes suited to our East Texas conditions. The goal is to help gardeners understand how thoughtful plant selection and simple design choices can create habitat for birds, bees, butterflies, and other beneficial wildlife while reducing the need for irrigation, fertilizer, and pesticides.
Ecological gardening includes Wildscaping and is rooted in the idea of gardening with nature rather than against it. When homeowners provide food, water, shelter, and space, even an ordinary yard can become a thriving ecosystem. We will look at how appropriate selections of native plants and plant diversity attract wildlife and help restore balance in both urban and rural settings.
Pollinator decline will be an important part of the discussion. Bees and butterflies (as well as birds) play a vital role in food production and biodiversity, yet their populations continue to fall. By incorporating native flowering plants and reducing pesticide use, gardeners can make a meaningful difference. I will share plant suggestions and design ideas that support pollinators throughout the year, from spring milkweeds to fall asters.
The program will also highlight Earth-Kind landscaping techniques developed by Texas A&M AgriLife. These research-based practices combine organic and traditional horticulture to conserve water, reduce yard waste, and promote responsible fertilizer and pesticide use. Earth-Kind gardening shows that it is possible to create landscapes that are both attractive and environmentally sound.
We will also explore how geology, soil types, rainfall distribution, drainage, and microclimates influence plant success in East Texas. Understanding these regional factors helps gardeners choose species that thrive naturally with fewer inputs. Our region offers a rich palette of native plants such as blackgum, beautyberry, baptisia, beebalm, and black-eyed Susan that support wildlife and tolerate our climate extremes.
Beyond plant selection, ecological gardening includes design features that enhance habitat value. Simple additions such as birdbaths, logs, snags, and brush piles provide shelter and nesting sites. These elements benefit wildlife and also contribute to erosion control, improved air quality, and temperature moderation.
Whether you are a homeowner, Master Gardener, or Master Naturalist, this program offers practical guidance for creating landscapes that are both beautiful and ecologically responsible. Space is limited, and early registration is encouraged. You can reserve a spot using the QR code on the event flyer found on Facebook. For more information, contact the Smith County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service at 903-590-2980.
