Wildlife Gardening in Southeast Texas

Our region of Texas, which borders the Piney Woods of east Texas and the prairies and marshes of the Gulf Coast, is host to a wide assortment of native and non-invasive naturalized plant varieties. Many of these can be used in the home landscape to entice both migratory and native bird species.

I design gardens that provide different levels and densities of vegetation to attract many species of birds. My designs include canopy trees, understory trees, assorted shrubs, perennials, and ground covers. Lets attract that wildlife!

Canopy and medium height Trees

 Canopy and medium-height trees provide protection for birds from weather and predators. I like to use Mexican white oak (Quercus polymorpha) and Drummond red maple (Acer rubrum var. drummondii). These are in the medium-to-large deciduous shade-tree category.

I love planting southern sugar maple (Acer barbatum) and big, fluffy Chinese fringe-trees (Chionanthus retusus). In the category of smaller deciduous blooming trees for the understory, I use parsley hawthorn (Cratagegus marshallii) and white fringetree or “Grancy Greybeard” (Chionanthus virginicus). Both of these spring-blooming natives are understated, slow-growing beauties which produce fruit for the birds.

Other native trees to add to the list of wonderful small-to-medium-sized blooming trees are the arroyo sweetwood (Myrospermum sousanum) from Mexico and Mexican plum (Prunus mexicana)*. The latter not only blooms profusely in the spring with clusters of fragrant white-to-pinkish flowers, but also produces edible plums that the birds will fight you for.

 Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis) blooms rosy pink flowers in April before its heart-shaped leaves emerge. The early blooms draw in nectar-seeking insects and a few songbirds. Large shrubs and understory trees are an important aspect of my designs, because many yards are devoid of anything other than some existing trees planted by the builders.

Medium-height plant material acts as a thicket zone for clusters of birds such as Northern Cardinals and Blue Jays. 

Understory plantings

The types of understory plants I use depend on the amount of sunlight that reaches the landscape floor. I primarily use three varieties of viburnums—Walter’s viburnum (Viburnum obovatum), ‘Lord Byron’ viburnum (Viburnum obovatum x rufidulum), and Luzon viburnum (Viburnum luzonicum).

These plants are evergreen or deciduous, but even the technically deciduous varieties hold their foliage until the new leaves push the old leaves off, providing nearly evergreen protection. Most prefer sun to partial sun, so if your canopy of large trees is somewhat open, they will thrive. Viburnums produce an abundance of berries in a variety of colors, typically shifting through a sequence of colors as they ripen—some of the blues are even iridescent! This creates a changing scene in the garden, and food for migrating as well as resident birds.

The ubiquitous American beautyberry (Callicarpa americana), which can’t be beat for attracting our feathered friends, is native to our area. It’s usually already present and is sometimes called a nuisance because it can be unwieldy if left to its own devices. It’s a good idea to cut these after the birds have devoured all the berries. Because this species is plentiful and prevalent in many yards I come across, I love adding other species of Callicarpa to spice up the landscape.

I have a lot of success with the mighty Mexican beautyberry (Callicarpa acuminata), which has gorgeous burgundy wine berries darker than its more northerly cousin’s. Callicarpa longissima, with its vibrant, long-lasting purple flower heads, produces hundreds of clusters of white berries that mockingbirds devour. C. longissima can grow to be a giant, often reaching 15 feet or more in one season, so give it room! Callicarpa salicifolia is a long-blooming variety that produces a lot of berries.

There are several Chinese species with more-manicured growth habits, some with variegated leaves. These all do very well in our region and add much to create a bird-thicket-type area. I can’t stop talking about their glossy berries because they come in all shades from dark wine to purple to pink to white. And the flowers also come in white and pink!

Possumhaw (Ilex decidua) is a fabulous holly to add to your garden. If you can find ‘Finch’s Gold’, a yellow-berried variety, it’s a showpiece. The ‘Pumphouse Red’ cultivar of yaupon (Ilex vomitoria)* is a great variety to add if you do not already have a yaupon holly in your yard. Possumhaw and yaupon look very similar during the growing season, but yaupon is evergreen. Possumhaw is a deciduous,15 to 20 foot multi-trunked native that displays orange-to-red berries on bare stems in winter.

Birds love it. Birds also love the winter berries on female yaupons. Northern Mockingbirds, Cedar Waxwings, and American Robins feed on the shiny, translucent red or yellow berries from both of these native hollies. As a bonus, yaupon can be brewed into a caffeinated tea! (They are related to yerbabuena of Argentine fame.) 

(Rhamnus caroliniana) is an attractive small tree or large shrub that adapts to many growing situations. In east Texas, where rain is plentiful, it is frequently an understory tree/shrub growing in bottomland conditions. It produces an abundance of berries for wildlife.

Common buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis) is a distinctive native shrub with spherical pincushion blossoms composed of dense clusters of tiny white or pale-pink tubular flowers. The fragrant blooms attract a wide array of pollinators. Waterfowl and shorebirds eat the seeds, and Wood Ducks use the plant’s structure to protect brooding nests. This shrub will thrive in a boggy or low spot in your garden. 

 Beneficial Ground Coverings

Vines and grasses also help to create a healthy understory. I like to start with trumpet vine (Campsis radicans). This scrambling woody vine is cultivated for its attractive reddish-orange flowers (beloved by hummingbirds and ants), but it must be kept in check and planted in an area where suckers can be mowed to keep the plant from expanding beyond defined areas. Other than that, trumpet vines require little care and rarely have issues with pests or disease. Despite a reputation for being difficult to maintain, trumpet vines are easy to grow and provide a beautiful cover in addition to habitat for nesting birds and food for pollinators.

Winecup or purple poppy-mallow (Callirhoe involucrata) is a native wildflower that is more sprawling than its cousin, standing winecup or fringed poppy-mallow (Callirhoe digitata), which grows up to 20 inches tall in ideal conditions. The bright purple blooms of both species cover the plant from late spring into summer. Once established, winecups’ deep taproots make them very tolerant to drought. Callirhoe involucrata’s long branches spread out across the ground to create a colorful mat of flowers and foliage.

 Gulf muhly (Muhlenbergia capillaris) is a two-to-three-foot perennial grass with a large, airy, much-branched seed head—up to half as long as the entire plant. The spikelets are pinkish-purple. In fall, these flower plumes take on a feathery, deep-pink hue.

Bamboo muhly (Muhlenbergia dumosa) is one of my absolute favorite ornamental grasses. It has a wonderfully soft texture and feathery blades that sway peacefully in the gentlest of breezes. The stems resemble actual bamboo, making this plant a stunning addition to Japanese gardens.

Big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii) is a warm-season, perennial bunchgrass that is large in stature with blue-green foliage and interesting flowering heads. The seed head is usually branched into three parts, resembling a turkey’s foot. The fall color is a maroon tan. Big bluestem grass is not recommended for small spaces, but can be used to accent a native flower garden or border an open property line. Grasses offer cover for many species of songbird, including Grasshopper Sparrow, Henslow’s Sparrow, Sedge Wren, and meadowlarks.

A Guide to outdoor lighting

When it comes to creating a spatial ambiance that is uniquely attuned to your surroundings, one must consider the magnitude of subtle details. What does that even mean? Let's dive into the details!

A beautifully illuminated landscape can transform the ambiance of any residential property, creating an enchanting atmosphere and highlighting its unique features.

When it comes to outdoor lighting Petal Organic uses high quality brass fixtures that offer a perfect combination of elegance, durability, and versatility.

We will delve into the world of high-quality brass outdoor lighting and explore how these fixtures can enhance residential landscapes.

The subtleties of customized outdoor lighting can elevate the appeal of various elements within a landscape design.

Why is Landscape Lighting important?

We believe landscape lighting is an essential component of any outdoor design, as it extends the usability of outdoor spaces, enhances safety and security, and accentuates the beauty of the surroundings.

By strategically illuminating different areas, landscape lighting creates a captivating ambiance that evokes a sense of warmth and sophistication.

Whether it's lighting up pathways, showcasing architectural features, or highlighting garden elements, brass fixtures offer numerous advantages that make them an ideal choice for outdoor lighting.

A personal favorite of ours is to use adjustable lighting to highlight water features!

Benefits of Brass Fixtures in Landscape design.

Longevity and Durability:

Brass fixtures are renowned for their exceptional durability and longevity. Unlike other materials, such as aluminum or plastic, brass fixtures are resistant to corrosion, rust, and weathering.

They can withstand various environmental conditions, ensuring that your landscape lighting remains in pristine condition for years to come. Perfect for the humid Houston climate which is brutal on outdoor electronics. Weatherproof sealed fixtures are the best option in our climate.

All of our solid sealed metal fixtures are procured from American manufactures and we are on the hunt for the best artesian grade products.

Timeless Elegance:

The timeless beauty of brass fixtures adds a touch of sophistication to any outdoor space. The warm, golden hue of brass complements the natural elements of a residential landscape, creating a harmonious and inviting atmosphere.

From traditional to contemporary designs, brass fixtures effortlessly blend with different architectural styles, making them a versatile choice for homeowners with diverse preferences.

Versatility in Design:

We use programmable and dimmable LEDs for maximum efficiency and customization.

We offer a wide range of design options, allowing homeowners to customize their lighting installations to suit their landscape's unique characteristics.

From path lights and floodlights to wall sconces and bollards, deck lights, well lights. brass fixtures come in various styles and sizes and colors, enabling you to highlight specific features or create desired lighting effects.

Low Maintenance Requirements:

Another advantage of brass fixtures is their minimal maintenance requirements.

Regular cleaning and occasional polishing are all that's needed to keep them looking their best. They have the potential to last a lifetime!

Additionally, brass develops a natural patina over time, which many homeowners find appealing, further reducing the need for frequent maintenance.

Enhancing Residential Landscapes with Brass Fixtures

let's explore some specific examples of how brass fixtures can elevate different aspects of residential landscapes:

Illuminating Pathways and Walkways:

• Brass path lights are an excellent choice for lighting up walkways and pathways, providing both functionality and aesthetics.

• The warm glow emitted by these fixtures guides guests safely to your door while creating an enchanting ambiance along the way.

Accentuating Trees and Plants:

• Brass spotlights and well lights are perfect for accentuating the natural beauty of trees, shrubs, and other landscape elements.

• By strategically positioning these fixtures, you can create captivating shadow effects and draw attention to specific focal points, enhancing the overall allure of your garden.

Showcasing Water Features: (our favorite!)

• If you have a water feature like one of our custom water rocks or even a fountain, pond, or waterfall in your landscape, brass fixtures can beautifully highlight these elements, creating a mesmerizing focal point.

• Underwater brass lights can illuminate the water from beneath, while brass wall washers or up-lights can provide a soft, enchanting glow.

Petal Organic uses the highest quality light options to accompany and coexist with your landscape design. We love to implement lighting into the overall design to showcase your new landscapes subtle accentuations. We also design and install everything in house to bring you the best experience in the greater Houston area!

Front Yard Patios “outdoor living room”

What if I told you that you could enjoy a summer evening relaxing in your own front yard? It's the little pleasures in life which bring the most joy, these sometimes subtle yet powerful front yard patio renovations can evoke welcoming and jubilant emotions. Suburban front lawns can be landscaped beautifully but are often oversized and unused by the homeowner. 

These areas Consist mostly of grass and a concrete driveway connecting the home to the public street; it forms a semi-public space. At Petal Organic, we believe that these huge unused spaces have a very significant potential for those who want to enjoy their home out of their backyards..

The front yard patio is an often overlooked and underutilized element of residential landscaping in the Greater Houston area. When designed properly, a front yard patio can add value and functionality to your home's exterior. 

Let's start using every inch of your property to the fullest extent! The front yard patio is the true hearth entry into your abode, it's a focal point of your dwelling! Let's use our front yard patios to congregate, watch the sunset while your kids play and maybe share a nice glass of chilled pinot grigio on a hot Houston night! let's do it in good taste to accompany your family's lifestyle. Petal Organic will transform your front yard into a stylish, inviting and practical area!   

Benefits of Front Yard Patios

One of the primary benefits of a front yard patio is that it can add value and curb appeal to your home. A well-designed and inviting front yard patio can make a great first impression on visitors and potential buyers. In fact, according to a study by the National Association of Realtors, a well-designed outdoor living space can add up to 10% to the value of your home. Poor landscaping can cause your property value to fall up to 30% in some cases. 

Another benefit of a front yard patio is that it can provide a comfortable and functional outdoor living space for you and your family. A front yard patio can be a great spot to enjoy a morning cup of coffee, read a book, or entertain guests. By utilizing your front yard space, you can expand your outdoor living area and take advantage of the beautiful Houston weather.

• Create a filter zone between public and private space and allow the house to open onto the street without loss of privacy.

• Revealing the architectural potential of the house's street façade

• Stand out from the average suburban home discover the most unused piece of your property

• Reclaim the most unused piece of your property, really utilizing your plot of land right up to the public domain.

• Reveling in the fact that you now have the nicest front yard on the block! 

Tips for Designing a Front Yard Patio

When it comes to designing a front yard patio, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. Here are some tips to help you create a beautiful and functional outdoor living space:

1. Choose the Right Materials: The materials you choose for your front yard patio can have a big impact on its appearance and durability. Consider using materials that are well-suited to the local climate and soil conditions, such as natural stone, reclaimed antique bricks or concrete.

2. Proportion: Your soon to be front yard patio must be well conceived and executed. Using the correct variety of plant sizes will help replicate the natural landscape. The size and shape of your front yard patio should be determined by your specific needs and the layout of your home. Consider factors such as the amount of space you have available, the desired functionality of the space, and the style of your home.

3. Incorporate Native Plants!: Incorporating native plants into your front yard patio design is a great way to support local wildlife and promote ecological health. The more butterflies the better! Native plants are also often more resilient to local weather conditions, which can help your landscaping to thrive over time.

4. Add Lighting: Lighting can help to create a welcoming and inviting atmosphere on your front yard patio. Consider incorporating fixtures such as sconces, lanterns, or string lights to create a cozy and functional outdoor living space.

5. Think About Seating: The seating you choose for your front yard patio should be both comfortable and functional. Consider investing in high-quality, renewable weather-resistant materials that can withstand the elements.

Examples of Front Yard Patio Designs

Here are a few examples of front yard patio designs that I have created for clients in the Houston area:

1. The Contemporary Front Yard Patio: This design features a sleek and modern front yard patio with clean lines and minimal landscaping. The use of concrete pavers and steel planters creates a chic and sophisticated outdoor living space.

2. The Rustic Front Yard Patio: This design features a front yard patio with a natural and rustic feel, using flagstone pavers and native plantings to create a comfortable and inviting outdoor living space.

3. The Mediterranean Front Yard Patio: This design features a front yard patio with a Mediterranean-inspired aesthetic, using terra cotta tiles and brightly colored plantings to create a vibrant and welcoming outdoor living space.

 In the greater Houston area front yard patios are an underutilized and highly underrated element of residential landscaping. By incorporating native plants, choosing the right materials, and considering factors such as size and shape, lighting, and seating, you can create a beautiful and functional outdoor living space that adds value and curb appeal to your home. Now Let's Get digging! 

Natural Privacy Screens for The Woodlands Texas

How to Naturally create residential privacy

The prying eye is ever peering. Let's put a stop to that, shall we? Petal Organic Landscaping understands the peace of mind that privacy brings.

 There are many ways to provide privacy through the use of native design. After a long day, let's avail ourselves to peace and quiet and hopefully some privacy! 

I have been living, gardening and landscaping professionally in The Woodlands, Texas for over 30 years! Over time I've developed some “go to” methods to provide the best balance of aesthetically pleasing natural privacy screens.

Native evergreens with dense dark leaves that tolerate drought work superb. With proper plant placement and choosing according to mature size we can reduce future maintenance and pruning. It all depends if you want the maintained uniform look or whimsical, natural style.

 An often overlooked aspect of designing an adequate privacy screen is to include layers of different plants that compliment each other.    

Why would I want a natural Privacy screen?

The use of privacy shrubs is a keen way to provide a functional partition of limited space while extending your outdoor living areas. Natural privacy screens can offer that extra barrier needed for exposed areas of your house and property. By creating layers with groups or clusters of large hedge shrubbery this  use of natural fences and screening can reduce road noise, act as a powerful wind break and can create the illusion of inclusion, making the space come together in a subtle way. 

Variety is the spice of life and the same thought applies when crafting the ultimate privacy screen. We like to include evergreen textures and different tones of greens for a lush dense look, some with features like flowering bushes or ones that have interesting fragrance, fall color, spring blooms and berries for the wild life.  

• Do you have living spaces, porches and patios too close to your neighbor's recreational area?

• Would you like privacy that goes higher than your standard suburban fence?   

No matter the circumstance, we are here to provide you with expert solutions. We understand sometimes space constraints are limited and every property has different features.      

Depending on your neighborhood, deed restrictions or what your H.O.A dictates, there can be many limiting factors that will try to “curb your appeal”.. Don't you love it when people try and tell you what to do on your own property! 

The good thing is landscaping has no limits! We know how to work with all the red tape and regulations and we are very imaginative. By designing and creating your own privacy hedge or natural screen you can get around these often pesky neighborhood rules.

Best Privacy Shrubs for the Suburban yard

These are some of my favorite plants and why I use them for dedicated long lasting privacy.

1. Walter’s Viburnum ( Viburnum obovatum ) 

• An outstanding, native, evergreen large shrub or small tree with attractive small dark green leaves.

• Host to the spring azure butterfly larvae (Celastrina ladon)!!

• Walter’s Viburnums branches are preferred by Song birds such as cardinals to nest in!

• Produces a magnificent display of clusters of white flowers in February-March.

• Tough, easy to grow, & very versatile. Can be used as a hedge, screen, or small “tree”.

• Un-pruned, it forms a very large, full, evenly shaped shrub, but pruned as a hedge (from 3’ tall to 12’ tall) 

• it becomes an incredibly thick, impenetrable wall of green. Tolerates drought and the occasional flood, tolerates a wide range of soils, & grows in sun or part shade. Can Be trained as a small 12’ x 10’ ornamental “tree”. Grows from 6’-12’ tall.

2. Lord Byron Viburnum (V. obovatum x V. rufidulum) 

• A fabulous new hybrid Viburnum between Walter’s Viburnum and the native Rusty Blackhaw Viburnum.

• Vigorous grower with an upright tree form. Small foliage and a spectacular display of clusters of white flowers in February-March.

• Deciduous.

• Best used as a small ornamental tree or can be used as a fast growing screen. Averages 12’-18’. Full sun or light shade.

3. Mission Olive

• Mission olive produces edible fruit and is a great landscape tree.

• It’s evergreen, cold and heat tolerant, dense and adds a beautiful gray contrast to the garden.

• Full sun is best, it loves the Texas heat!

• Small white flowers bloom before the fruit sets. Being evergreen, it is a great habitat for sheltering birds!

4. True Myrtle ( Myrtus sp )

• This is one tough evergreen! Hardy to 20 degrees or less, it can be used as a hedge, screen or pruned up into a small

• tree. Fragrant white flowers in spring are followed by an abundance of multi-colored berries which birds enjoy.

• The leaves are aromatic as well. Sun to partial shade. Grows 10’ to 12’ high and wide.

5. Skinner’s Banana Shrub ( Michelia skinneriana )

• A far superior Banana Shrub to the usual variety!

• A strong growing, evergreen.

• large shrub or small tree with very attractive dark, glossy green foliage & unique banana yellow flowers with a wonderful banana scent!

• Blooms in spring & will repeat bloom sometimes in summer & fall.

• Can be sheared into a hedge, grown as a screen, used as an accent shrub, or trained as a small tree possibly 10’-12’ tall.

• Will grow well in understory conditions or in full sun.

6. Dahoon Holly (Ilex cassine ‘Tensaw’)

• This female selection of Dahoon has a rounded habit, wide green leaves and red berries that call the birds!

• Makes a dense screen or small specimen tree – 12’-15’ tall if left unpruned.

• Tolerates a wide range of soil types – can tolerate moist conditions. Full sun or understory conditions!

7. Last but certainly not least! We give you the Pineapple Guava ( Feijoa sellowiana )

• A large evergreen shrub or small tree with blue-green foliage and silver backing.

• Fragrant white flowers in the spring!

• The petals are edible. Also produces edible fruit as it matures. Who loves an edible hedge am I right!?

•  Full sun to part shade. Can prune as a hedge, or let grow it can reach 12’ at least, if left unpruned.

• hardy into the teens. Drought tolerant, disease resistant. Tough!!

In Conclusion of all things natural privacy! 

“I love designing and installing privacy screens for my clients. Personally, my number one initiative is to create the most gorgeous landscape possible that will compliment you, your home and family..”

— Cindy (petal Organic)

Fall through winter is the number one time to plant trees and shrubbery .If you want the added benefit of additional privacy or natural screens, you are in luck. There are so many fun and stunning ways to configure native and non-invasive plants in the greater Houston area. Living vertical gardens, custom flower trellis’s, varieties of dense evergreen shrubs and certain small trees can all provide your landscape and family the privacy it deserves.

The residential suburban yard is the ideal setting for natural privacy screens. Where else can you make the term “natural privacy Screens” fun and exciting? When form and function meet, it's a harmonious thing to behold.

That's why I love designing and installing privacy screens for my clients. Personally, my number one initiative is to create the most gorgeous landscape possible that will compliment you, your home and family. If designed and implemented correctly, over time the installation will fully thicken and fill out, creating a strong barrier from wind, road noise and the ever prying eye!