New Life

Yesterday we went on a creek walk. The vegetation on the banks had been mown, so Folsom could scamper along without sweeping up too many burrs. Excessive rain this year has not exactly kept the slopes moist, but at least they are not cracking, bone dry like last summer. Nevertheless, David held my hand as I cautiously tip-toed toward the limestone-lined creekbed. At almost six-months pregnant, I'm somewhat agility-challenged.

The creek was green and stagnant. Something was obstructing its flow. David located a small rise of silt deposition stretching from one side of the creek to the other. It was only an inch, maybe an inch-and-a-half in height -- just enough to dam up the water. He grabbed a limb and began scraping the ground from side-to-side. Soon the water began to flow again. There was movement again.

On the opposite bank he noticed Frostweed (Verbesina virginica.) If you don't know it, Frostweed's white blooms emit a heavenly fragrance. It will do well in sun or partial shade, almost too well. In suburban residences, one plant will suffice, as it easily reseeds. Frostweed is a versatile native that helps to restore habitat.

We also found a species of Rudbeckia (Black-Eyed Susan also belongs to this genus.) I know we have the complete common and botanical names stored around here somewhere, and I'm sure I'll find it as I continue working on the new website. On our next walk, I will make sure to get pics and will confirm the Rudbeckia info.

Speaking of the new website...

The new layout and overall vibe have inspired me. We are distancing ourselves from the boxy look -- previous versions of our site have been too angular for my taste. The new 'site has more dimensions, more pics, and, well, more logical organization. It represents who we are as people, business owners and artists. Because, after all, we are in the business of knowledge and creativity, not landscape. The new 'site will help to identify us as designers, writers and public speakers, rather than landscapers or contractors.

Leaves are falling all around...

Maybe not in North Central Texas, but it is officially autumn. On our walk yesterday Folsom and I found Purple Prairie Verbena (the native one) blooming abundantly along the perimeter of a construction site. It is growing naturally in a very dry, rocky area, without irrigation and in full sun. Tough as nails, this is my kind of plant.

We also spotted the luminescent deep purple hues of Eryngo (Eryngium). Usually its subtle fragrance is intoxicating, but two extreme and opposing summers in a row might have taken their toll on this native annual. The stands of Indian Blanket (Gaillardia) along the same site must have been sacrificed for the new park; not even the rosettes survived. Surely the disturbed seeds will germinate and bring back the smiling maroon-and-yellow flowers next year. One can only hope...

Our website is undergoing multiple changes in honor of the new season. Our goal is to streamline information -- especially details about our services and fees -- and to delight you with more lovely photographs. We are toying with some interactive features, so please do stay tuned. NativeDave.com should become your one-stop 'site for information related to native plants and sustainable landscape.

Thanks for all your support along the way...our journey brings us to such interesting people and places.

Switched!

Email problems should be in the past. We've made the switch to serverfly! All files related to the website -- except the portfolio files -- are up and running as well.

Portfolio files should be accessible tomorrow. Thanks for your patience!

Serious about doing your part?

Check out this article, "Living Small." It's about the antithesis to traditional American housing trends, especially here in N Central Texas: the tiny house movement.

http://www.aswearemagazine.com/content/view/260/94/

A Few More Days

Sadly, we will be cancelling our hosting and email services with thinkhost. Their mission is congruent with ours. However, too many emails (incoming as well as outgoing) have been lost and we can't continue to support their business at the expense of ours. Within 72 hours all email services should be more reliable. In the meantime, if you have emailed and not received a response, please call us at 972.596.3889.

Many thanks!

Kudos to women serving the environment and their community!

http://www.aswearemagazine.com/content/view/249/75/