Introduction
A GARDENING BOOK IS ONLY USEFUL if it has accurate infor-
mation and helpful photos. Being able to see what the plants look like was one of
the secrets of my first book,Plants of the Metroplex. I wrote it in 1974, and it is still
selling well today.
Sorry it has taken me so long to do a similar book for Houston and the Gulf
Coast, but here it is. If you have any complaints or comments, please send them to
me at
[email protected]. I continue to update and improve all my books.
I’m an organic guy, and I have been delighted to discover that the natural alter-
natives really work. Organic gardening is not a fad. Many in the universities and
some on the radio will tell you that total organic programs won’t work. They are
wrong. There is no reason at all to use toxic synthetic pesticides or salt-based syn-
thetic fertilizers. Everything about the natural organic program works better.
Plants have less stress, and fewer transplant losses occur. Plants have fewer insect
pests and disease problems. Plants also have significantly more tolerance to
weather stress—both heat and cold. Organic gardeners have more fun and save
money.
We are poisoning the environment with artificial fertilizers and in the process
growing sick plants. These fertilizers are causing a toxic buildup of nitrates and
other harmful salts in the soil and drinking water. Farmers and home gardeners
need to change. Artificial fertilizers harm or destroy the beneficial microorganisms
in the soil, force-feed plants, and cause plants to attract insects. It shouldn’t be a
surprise to anyone that Mother Nature knows best.
Although I didn’t realize it in the beginning, my plant material recommenda-
tions have always included a high percentage of native plants—I just didn’t identify
them as such. I also strongly believe that certain introduced plants are excellent
and some even superior to their native counterparts. Using a careful mixture of
both native and adapted introductions is sensible for most gardens. On the other
hand, using natives when possible is advisable.
Three kinds of plants are covered here: (1) recommended plants, (2) plants that
can be used but aren’t highly recommended, and (3) plants that are not recom-
mended and should not be planted. I am not noncommittal about plants. My likes,
dislikes, and experiences with all the plants are always expressed. The simple iden-
tification of the various plants isn’t really worth much. The value I hope you receive
from this book results from the editorial pros and cons based on my experience
with the almost 400 plantsdiscussed. The detailed information on each plant
should help you design, plant, and maintain your garden. The plants with photos at
the text are the top recommendations. Although no plant or technique is perfect,
my recommendations should give you beautiful results and great enjoyment from a
new or renovated garden.