Timely Tip for May Gardeners:

Texas is home to nearly 5,000 native plant species due to the vast and diverse geography of our great state! Often people envision “native plants” with Mesquites and cacti but many of our basic landscape plants are native to Texas. After the summer of 2011, many gardeners seek to naturally enhance their spaces with Texas tough plants. Native plants tolerate the Texas summer heat better than most, require less water, need less mowing, provide habitats for birds, butterflies and other wildlife, protect the soil and save on fertilizers and insecticides.

Add native trees to your landscape and enjoy the colorful blooms from the Texas Mountain Laurel or Desert Willow. Select Texas Sage for its purple summer flowers or the Red Yucca with its red spike-like bloom as additions to your landscape. Native grasses such as Mexican Feathergrass or Big Muhly add another different texture and look to the garden. Also, don’t forget the reliable perennials for providing Texas tough color! Blackfoot Daisy, Gaura, Coneflower and many of your Salvias are native to Texas and will provide color year after year once they are established.

Don’t forget Mom this month! Color in May comes from more than a bouquet of blossoms for Mom on Mother’s Day! Plan ahead and give that special person a naturally-inspired bouquet that changes with the seasons. Buy your mom a native plant and know that you are making her garden a more enjoyable place for both her and the birds and butterflies.

If you need specific help with your next gardening idea or project, please join us for FREE in-store garden clinics this month. Clinics begin at 10:15 a.m. and are facilitated at every store.

Saturday, May 4: Native plants – Texas style (10:15 a.m.)

Join Calloway’s and Cornelius garden experts to learn how to use native plants to beautify your home, conserve water and provide a wildlife habitat.

Saturday, May 11: Perennials – An old friend (10:15 a.m.)

Gardens of the ages! Learn the best bloom times for your favorite perennials so that your garden shows color throughout the year.

Saturday, May 18: Those blooming shrubs (10:15 a.m.)

Add structure and color to your naturally-inspired spaces with rose and azalea shrubs.

Saturday, May 25: Butterfly & hummingbird gardens (10:15 a.m.)

Bring your garden alive with plants that attract butterflies and hummingbirds.

For more information, visit www.calloways.com. Hope to see you in the garden soon!