March is Texas SmartScape Month! Plant Smarter. Plant Natives

Did you know that March is Texas SmartScape™ Month? The Texas SmartScape™ Month is a regionally coordinated effort and campaign to promote the water conservation, pollution prevention, composting, proper lawncare maintenance and waste reduction principles of the Texas SmartScape™ program. These principles offer a variety of advantages for local ecosystems and homeowners’ wallets. SmartScape™ methods not only add aesthetic value, but also contribute to the control of soil temperature, erosion, and invasive species while providing a habitat for a variety of pollinators. These methods also mitigate the excessive amounts of fertilizer and water required by conventional lawns and landscapes, which can harm local bodies of water and the wildlife that rely on them.

By incorporating Texas SmartScape™ plants and strategies into your lawn care routine, you have the potential to save money, time, water, and reduce harmful chemical use. SmartScape™ approved plants are native and adapted to the North Central Texas climate and need less water and fertilizer to thrive in the intense heat of Texas summers and unpredictable winters. Since March kicks off landscaping season here in North Texas, this is an excellent time to Plant Smarter. Plant Natives. and turn your yard into a resilient and attractive SmartScape™ yard by planting native and adapted plants.

Want to get a head start on making your landscape a Texas SmartScape™? Check out the following resources!

Texas SmartScape Website: A great place to start, the Texas SmartScape™ website provides ample resources for designing your own SmartScape™ yard. Browse their Plant Database to discover the perfect flowers, shrubs, and more that will help you save money and the environment. Afterward, head over to the “Design Tools” tab for advice on how to map out your landscape vision and determine what materials you’ll need.

Nurseries Nearby: Southlake has plenty of nurseries to fulfill your gardening needs!

• • Calloway’s Nursery, 291 E Southlake Boulevard or 817-416-0736
  • Mike’s Garden Center, 555 E. State Highway 114 or 817-251-2620
  • Lowe’s Garden Center, 201 Kimball Avenue or 817-251-1090
  • Garden Center at Home Depot, 300 S Village Center Drive or 817-251-1554

Southlake’s 2^nd Annual Texas Wildflower Seed Giveaway: Want to make your yard really stand out? Join Southlake Public Works for their Texas Wildflower Seed Giveaway and give your garden a pop of native color for free! Register here, then visit the Southlake Public Works Building at 1950 E Continental Boulevard anytime from March 21^st to March 28^th to pick up your own packet of Texas wildflower seeds. Supplies are limited on a first come, first serve basis.

Get a free sprinkler evaluation with Southlake’s W.I.S.E. Guys program: Did you know that one of the biggest contributors to household water waste could be your irrigation system? Register today for a free sprinkler evaluation from a licensed irrigator and get your sprinklers ready to go. Participants are eligible for a rebate of up to $200 on their water bill! For more information and to schedule your evaluation, click