🌿 Native Planting Season: Late Summer Stars & Fall Favorites
Late summer in Central Texas isn’t just about surviving the heat—it’s a quiet turning point in the garden. As my husband heads back to the classroom and the squeals from the local swimming pool are silent, the garden slowly begins to whisper that it’s time to begin gearing up for the fall garden—the light shifts, the nights and early mornings going to the day job are cooler.
With the Native Plant Society of Texas’ Tonkawa Chapter’s Native Plant Sale coming up on September 13th and September 14th, now’s the perfect moment to prepare your space—whether it’s a sprawling backyard bed or a few well-placed containers on the porch.
Because echinacea is such a powerhouse for pollinators, I tuck it everywhere I can. This is in my raised beds with mugwort and a sweet potato vine that I didn’t think was going to make it. Oops!
While seasoned gardeners may already be in the know, many Texans are surprised to learn that fall is one of the best times to plant native trees and shrubs. Cooler temps and increased rainfall give roots a chance to establish deeply—without battling the stress of summer heat. This gives your plants a head start before winter dormancy, setting the stage for lush growth and blooms come Spring. Plus, many native species offer late-season food sources for pollinators, which is especially important here in Central Texas, where our gardens lie along key migratory paths.
If you’re working with limited space, don’t worry—smaller native plants can thrive in containers and also do well being planted at this time. The trick is to choose deep pots with good drainage, use a mix of native soil, compost and a “cactus blend” potting soil that has amazing drainage. Remember to place your pots in the correct sunlight requirement. I had a rattlesnake master in a pot just hanging out, looking okay, until I realized that it needed full sun. A quick move to the opposite side of the patio and it flourished.
Here are some of my favorite native standouts to look for at the sale—and some tips on how to help them thrive:
Gregg’s Mistflower: A butterfly magnet that spreads gently and fills in gaps with soft lavender blooms.
Mealy Blue Sage: Drought-tolerant and long-blooming, perfect for sunny spots and pollinator pathways.
Frostweed: A dramatic fall bloomer that surprises with icy formations in winter—great for part shade.
Little Bluestem: A native grass with coppery fall color and strong vertical presence.
Texas Lantana: Tough, colorful, and beloved by bees and butterflies.
Rock Rose: Low-growing with delicate pink flowers that bloom through heat and drought.
Goldenrod: Often misunderstood, but vital for late-season pollinators and stunning in mass plantings.
So mark your calendars for September 13th and 14th, down at Sirena Park/Barrow Brewery in Salado, 9:00 am on Saturday, 10:00 am on Sunday.
