NPSOT Strikes Again: Turning Drab Areas into Beautiful Gardens

They are called “NPSOT,” and you will find them all over Texas.  They are the Native Plant Society of Texas, and their headquarters is right next to the Pioneer Museum in Fredericksburg.  Although not affiliated with the Texas Master Naturalist program, many of its members are, and they are turning some drab places into beautiful gardens.  Linda found this hitch-hiker on her back while working in the garden in front of the Fredericksburg Post Office.

This lush garden was once parched dirt.

Photo: Robert C Deming

When this group of gardeners showed up in 2015, this space was parched earth. The sprinkler system had failed and the hard-packed dirt was bare. These volunteers are passionate about native plants, and they tilled the dirt, added lots of compost, and planted. This garden has only been watered twice this year, one big benefit of planting Texas natives. Pictured are Jim, Anne, Linda, and Kathy.

Planting to attract Queen Butterflies.

Photo: Robert C Deming

This group works on the Post Office garden one morning each month.  The bush featured in the photo will one day be covered with butterflies.  As they work, people passing by comment on the beauty of the garden.

This American Beautyberry is at their garden at Milam and W. San Antonio Streets.

Photo: Robert C Deming

The local Native Plant Society of Texas group also maintains gardens at their headquarters, located beside the Pioneer Museum on West San Antonio Street, and they have a Pollinator Garden at the Lady Bird City Park and are installing a Monarch Garden at the Cross Mountain City Park. Plants featured in these gardens are examples of natives which require little (if any) watering, attract beneficial insects, and add beauty to our lives.

Plant this pepper plant at your home to add spice to your life.