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Native and Adapted Plants are cool because they thrive in our Central Texas climate with mimimal care and use little of our most precious resource, Water. When many people think of Xeriscape, they think of replacing their landscape with gravel and cactus.

But Native and Adapted Landscapes can and should be quite colorful and beautiful. The plant palate is large and varied with many blooming perennials, ornamental grasses and drought hardy shrubs and trees to choose from.

Attracting Butterflies to your garden is rewarding and easy to do. Simply provide the habitat and they will come. When thinking of habitat, there are two kinds of plant material to consider; Nectar plants that provide food for adults, and Host plants that provide food for the larval stage. Nectar plants are the pretty flowers that we like to grow. Plants such as Zinnia, Marigold, Salvia varieties, Cosmos, Lantana, Buddlia, and basically anything that blooms.

Host plants provide food for the larval stages of butterflies, the catepillars. Plants such as Dill, Parsley, Passion Flower, Milkweed, Fennel and many others. Some plants will double as Host plants and Nectar plants. Butterfly species are very specific as to what types of host plants they will lay eggs on. For instance, Monarchs prefer Milkweed, Gulf Fritillary prefers Passion Flower and so on. One side benefit when planting to attract butterflies is that many of the same plants will attract Hummingbirds as well! So go ahead, plant it and they will come.

Check out the Native and Adapted Plant Guide published by the City of Austin. Available at our nursery, these are beautiful color brochures with details and images of many beautiful plants that thrive in Central Texas without much care once established. While not an exhaustive list, it's a good place to start. Visit with our staff and ask questions. Go to local resources such as the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center for inspiration and education. Let's all work together and beautify our space on this planet while conserving and protecting our precious natural resources.

Tips for a bountiful Tomato Harvest:
Feed and water your tomato plants regularly. Use granular Organic fertilizers such as Espoma Tomato Tone or Garden Tone every three to four weeks. Alternatively, use liquid products such as Fish Emulsion and Liquid Seaweed as Foliar Sprays or soil drenches every one to two weeks. Mulch your plants to conserve moisture and keep the soil and root zone cool. Avoid using hay that has been grown with herbicides such as "Grazon". This will be death to your tomato patch. As an alternative, consider using Pine Straw as a mulch. Be proactive in monitoring your plants for insect pests. Spider Mites can be especially damaging if not controlled early on. Spray plants weekly with Liquid Seaweed to bolster your plants defenses against these pests.

It's a Party and you're all invited!
What: 26th Anniversary Customer Appreciation Sale and Party
When: Party is Saturday, June 1st from 10:00 AM till 2:00 PM.
Where: Bloomers Garden Center, Elgin Texas.
Why: Because we appreciate all our wonderful customers.
Details: Sale runs Friday, May 31st thru Sunday, June 2nd. Lot's of blowout deals and fantastic bargains on almost everything in the Nursery. Party is on Saturday from 10:00 AM till 2:00 Pm and features free sausage wraps and sandwiches, beverages, door prizes, snacks, and Live music by the amazing Ukulele band, "Four Pegs and a Pug". Fun for everyone.