Native Plants are Having Their Moment

pulchella & Coreopsis tinctoria | Mary Sirgo

By Mary Sirgo, Permian Basin Master Gardeners

Lawns first came on the scene as a status symbol in Europe, indicating that a landowner was so wealthy they could devote large swaths of their property to recreation rather than food production. Later, in the late 1800s, lawns became popular in North American landscapes, with the invention of the push lawn mower enhancing their accessibility for maintenance. Today, invasive grass turf remains the standard of landscape installations in the United States. The thought is that this is due to both a lack of knowledge about native plants and the misconception that lawns are “just more convenient”. What often goes unmentioned is that lawns in Texas use millions of acre-feet of water each year in irrigation, which is not so convenient for our water security or our pocketbooks. 

While search engine statistics demonstrate an upward trend of native plant-related searches since 2017, a dramatic uptick occurred in 2023. A nationwide push for National Native Plant Month resulted in proclamations from 48 states, with some introducing legislation to make the recognition permanent, building on the Senate's initial introduction of the concept in 2021. While the coordinated effort made a big splash, the realities of native plant benefits really sealed the deal. Native gardens and landscapes are drought resilient, support pollinator habitat, and give us a sense of place. It's not just environmentalists and scientists on board; homeowners, schools, HOAs, and even city planners are shifting their focus to native plants. We, as Texas gardeners working within a wide range of ecoregions, are uniquely positioned to ensure this trend becomes tradition.

The work has already started. There are a growing number of Texas-based voices bringing native plant education to life, whether through organizations like the Permian Basin Master Gardeners or through app-based platforms. Storytellers share their personal joys in reconnecting with the land and the life it supports. Educators break down complex ecological concepts into practical advice for even the most novice gardener. Designers prove that native gardens can be artful, well-maintained, and truly Texan. These leaders in native plant advocacy are bridging the gap between science and everyday life, making common-sense ecological principles accessible to gardeners across the state.

How can a growing native gardener get involved? Start in your own backyard, by taking advantage of the slow pace of the winter season and doing some research. Identify your ecoregion (in Midland/Odessa, we are in the High Plains), follow a few native plant experts to take notes on topics that inspire you, connect with the Permian Basin Master Gardeners for real-time answers, and sketch out your plans for your native garden installation. These acts will not only prepare you to create beautiful habitat in your own yard, but also connect you to a community and the land we all love.

It's not uncommon for trends to come and go—the true measure of success will be when native plants are a staple of our shared landscapes, not just an idea on our social media feeds.

If you have questions, call the AgriLife office in Odessa at 498-4071 or in Midland at 686-4700. Additional information, and access to past articles, can be found at westtexasgardening.org under “Resources”.