Putting Rainwater to Good Use...

Plants prefer rainwater, according to Burrough's Landscaping, Kerrville, Texas. It is free, naturally softer and chemical free, benefiting plants roots. Using native plants and flowers that are more tolerant to our environment will make the most of the rain that we do get. Add compost to the soil to hold the water in longer.

Water features such as ponds and fountains will collect rainwater and add beauty to your yard and gardens at the same time. Confirm how much rain is needed to maintain the pumps.

Whether a gardener wanting cleaner water for your plants, a conservationist who hates the waste of rainwater just running down the drive or out of the gutters, or if a reliable alternative for household use is needed, the choices can be as simple and inexpensive, or elaborate and as costly as you choose.

You can spend as much or as little as you choose to collect rainwater. Simply placing a large clean trashcan out will allow you to water plants and flowers. Rain barrels with taps are available. Connect a hose to water outdoors. There are elaborate systems to filter and cleanse water for inside use. 

Screen wire should always be used to cover barrels to avoid mosquitoes from breeding and algae growth.

A Texas Hill Country Natural Garden

That corner in your backyard ~ you know, the one you keep meaning to clean out and landscape. A good suggestion may be to have a natural garden.

If you already have plants that are native to the area, they can provide food, water and shelter for butterflies, bees and birds. Plants and flowers can provide nectar, seeds and berries. Texas Hill Country native plants attract wildlife to your yard easier than exotic plants may.

The following trees and plants will encourage birds as they produce seeds and grasses:

• Little Bluestem
• Pigeonberry
• American Beautyberry
• Texas Barberry

To invite lovely butterflies, their favorite flowers include:

• Salvia
• Sages
• Trumpet Honeysuckle
• Cross Vine
• Verbenas
• Cosmos
• Zinnias

It will be necessary to appeal to pollinators including moths, bees and black-chinned hummingbirds. They are all attracted to:

• Kidneybush
• Cherry Laurel
• Mexican Buckeye
• Yucca
• Flame Acanthus

Interesting birds, butterflies, moths, etc will need adequate shelter. Butterflies need protection from winds. They, along with insects and lizards will make their homes in stacked, dry stone. High trees and thick cedar brush provide shelter for cardinals, blue jays and mockingbirds. Wax myrtle and holly produce berries for food. A brush pile or even a log or dead tree is idea for small birds such as wrens. Owls and woodpeckers will find a tree with cavities appealing.

As we are limited on water during the hot summer months, a permanent pond or fountain is ideal, but not necessary. Simply installing a bird bath with a dripper will quickly attract birds. If you enjoy hummingbirds, they love a mister. This is a fun addition to any yard.

Broken flower pots work well for toad houses. Place them near the bird bath with a dripper to encourage guests. Adding birdhouses or nesting ledges, protected from the elements entice young families to live in your garden. 

Prepare to be entertained in your little bit of paradise as you begin seeing God's creatures mingling in your garden.