We live in a very interesting climate here in Central Texas. We are technically a "ZONE 8b" and that's helpful in determining what to plant, however we can go from sunny and 90 degrees to the next day dropping to windy and cold! The summers are fiercely hot and the winters oftentimes bring freezing cold temperatures that even some of our established plants can't handle.

With that being said, the best way to make your investment in the plants you buy for your landscape last is to buy tough, native Texas plants; these plants are called TEXAS SUPERSTARS and have been tested and selected to last in our crazy climate.

Finding Texas Superstars or even simply native Texas plants can be difficult if you don't look in the right places. The "big-box" stores like Home Depot and Lowes, although they do offer so many needed things and have their place to fit our many needs, are not the places you want to waste you time (or money) on regarding their selection of plants. These stores tend to offer plants that are NOT suited for our climate and will only continue to disappoint the uneducated gardener. In the past, I'd see a pretty plant, buy it, plant it and only to watch it slowly reach its demise . . I became discouraged and labeled myself as having a "black thumb." - which is simply not the case! - I just wasn't planting the correct plants. Let's work with nature, not against it. Buy plants that are meant for this area. There are some really beautiful flowering plants that can outlast our Texas heat and attract appreciated pollinators like honey bees, solitary bees, hummingbirds and butterflies.

My top picks for nurseries in our area that provide native plants to Texas are:

It's About Thyme in Austin - this nursery is located in South Austin near the intersection of Manchaca Rd and FM 1626 (near The Smith Academy and Texican Cafe).

It's About Thyme has endless greenhouses, unique trees and shrubs, organic materials, seeds and of course, a wide selection of Texas natives. I also love the fact that the owners, Chris and Diane Winslow, are on site most days, along with a great staff, to answer your questions and offer advice; having a knowledgeable staff is a must for planting guidance. For the diverse variety and knowledgeable staff, the prices are reasonable. They offer an excellent monthly newsletter with valuable information as well.

Vivero Growers in Dripping Springs - located near Pieous on highway 290. This nursery offers predominantly Texas Native plants and some unique plants that grow well here and are beautiful. The staff is knowledgeable and helpful. The prices are a bit high, in my opinion, but it's always enjoyable to walk the nursery and see what neat things they have to offer.

Solstice Outdoors: Garden Design and Fine Art Destination - in Dripping Springs. This shop offers unique art, landscape design, native plants and more. While you're in the Dripping Springs area be sure to visit the brand new Belterra Village, 90 acres of medical offices, shops, food and a cinema.

King Feed in Wimberley is always a treat to visit, especially in the spring when they have baby chicks and ducks for sale. This is a general hardware store with things from tools to chicken feed and plant food to lawn chairs. Walking the grounds is lovely and the array of native plants is good. The prices are high, in my opinion, but the trip is worth the enjoyment and one-stop shopping experience. While in Wimberley, be sure to visit the square with cute shops including a few of my favorites: Wall Street Western, River House, and The Gypsy Market.

Cross Plants & Produce in Kyle - offers a pretty good selection of native plants and herbs, but what I like most about this nursery is they sell organic and locally-sourced meats, eggs, veggies and honey.; it's a perpetual farmer's market, daily! Cross Plants offers a large grassy area nestled under the shade of post oaks with picnic tables, swings and a donkey and mini-horse to love on. It's a nice place to bring a picnic and enjoy the outdoors, but be sure to browse the shop for the locally-sourced foods to add to your picnic. Their plant prices are good, in my opinion. While you're in Kyle, stay for dinner at my most favorite hole-in-the-wall restaurant, Piscis Seafood & Mexican Grill; hands-down the BEST salsa around and the food is much better than the high-dollar places.

Finally, I have to include HEB in Kyle yes, HEB, the grocery store. The HEB garden center, or Texas Backyard, has a seriously surprising selection of native plants and the prices are good too. I love that I can go grocery shopping AND buy Texas natives in one swoop, not to mention the super cute boutique located in the middle of the store: Mia's Mirror, that sells a nice selection of clothes, some great cowboy boots and gifts, including Kate Spade items.

Bottom line, quit wasting your money and time on plants that just aren't equipped to handle our climate in Texas. There are indeed a beautiful array of options that are sure to please and will continue to grow and thrive in your yard, helping add value to your property.