Garden Galleries

Replace parts of your traditional lawns with garden beds made up of hardy, drought-tolerant plants. Here are some favorites.

Gardens beds come in so many styles – they’re all as unique as the individual who created them. Here are some of our favorites, all found in the San Antonio area.

The unsung heroes of the insect world are the decomposers. Decomposers help break down and consume organic materials, such as rotting plants, old wood, manure, dead insects or dead animals.

Of all of the species of insects on the earth, 98% are helpful. One way insects (and spiders) are helpful is by eating other insects that are considered pests. Take a look at some of these predatory garden creatures.

Butterflies are like living jewels gliding from flower to flower across the landscape collecting nectar and spreading pollen. Their colorful wings contrast with the flowers and green leaves, providing a cheerful, yet silent reminder of nature’s beauty.

There are just certain sights – like freshly sprouted leaves, tiny newborn critters and small pops of blossom color – that tell us warm, spring weather is just around the corner. Take a look at these early spring bloomers and see which ones you can spot first!

Both people and plants breathe a sigh of relief as the hot Texas summer makes way for the crisp Texas fall that easily rivals spring as the local gardeners’ favorite season.

Fall is the best time to plant trees, shrubs, and other woody ornamentals. There is less shock to their roots and it allows them to recover during the cooler months before beginning leaf and shoot production in spring. 

In San Antonio, you have a wide range of plant choices that will not need much water. Here are but a few. 

Outdoor conservation manager, Dana Nichols, describes her landscape style as “informally casual with neat edges.” Get a peek at her beds that incorporate perennials with reseeding annuals.

All these excellent San Antonio landscapes are past WaterSaver Landscape Tour winners. As you will see here, excellent landscapes come in all sizes and styles.

In San Antonio’s historic districts the city’s guidelines may specify landscape rules much like HOA's. You can still have a WaterSaver Landscape. Remember when these homes were built no one had irrigation. 

Each February Cornell University is hoping you will become a bird nerd and participate in the annual Great Backyard Bird Count international survey. Count birds anywhere you encounter them. Many of our favorite local birds rely on dense brush for nesting, resting and feeding.

Thinking about planting some trees, but not quite sure how to do it? Just follow our simple step-by-step tutorial and you’ll be sittin’ in the shade in no time.

It’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the different sizes and species of trees when you visit a nursery. Rather than picking trees for their pretty flowers, choose them based on size and species so they suit your landscape.

Many of these plants are available with our WaterSaver Landscape Coupons. You'll need to do a little homework to make sure you choose the best plants for your little piece of landscape heaven.

Retail landscaping has historically depended upon heavy watering. The Shops at La Cantera has created a showplace that’s green, but not wet. Landscape changes are saving over 6 million gallons per year. And the cooling water features use recycled water. 

A trip through a beautiful landscape can be a series of stepping stones, a wild path through vegetation, crushed granite or a happy medium. Perfect pathways through your landscape make the trip that much more enjoyable.

Most insects are beneficial and critical to a functioning ecosystem. There is a small percentage of insects (about 2% of all known species) that are considered pests by gardeners. They can damage plants and cause frustration. Let’s take a look at some.

These are some of our favorite plants. Mix and match plants for a design that meets your garden style. For some of you that means some exploration into the world of gardening. 

When we think of pollinators, butterflies and honey bees are usually the first that come to mind. But, there are many other creatures that move pollen from one place to another! Without pollinators, many flowers and fruits would not exist.

This landscape was lovingly designed by the homeowner. A color scheme of greens and greys creates a soothing atmosphere. When using a monochromatic design, think about the plant forms and decorative elements to create additional interest.

There’s nothing like springtime in Texas. The rainbow of wildflowers that wave in the fields and along roadsides across the Lone Star State attracts people from all points of the compass to admire their beauty. Take a peak.

There’s something about fresh spring roses, a highway awash in bluebonnets and flocks of spirited birds returning from the south that energizes the soul. Spring can never come fast enough!

Many plants wait for longer days before putting on spring growth. These early stars will bloom even with a touch of frost. Enjoy in early spring while you can; once the onslaught of summer returns, these delicacies will vanish.

Take a look at some summer superstar plants for the South Texas landscape that are drought friendly.

These summer champs will have your garden looking great. Be sure to consider sun exposure in your choices.  

Crushed granite, pea gravel, and river rock: these small rocks are used to replace the entire lawn. But they can be a recipe for reflected heat in summer and clogged storm drains — and the bare finish may alarm neighbors wary of the aesthetic.

Remove any tired grass that is shaded out or needs too much water and replace it with architectural plant specimens or color that compliment the straight lines of a mid-century home.  

Winters in San Antonio are short and relatively mild. It's a good time to assess your landscape. Too sparse? Look for spots to include evergreen plants. Wait to cut back your plants that froze until late February to provide cover and food for songbirds.

The classic whimsy of pink flamingos or staid elegance of stone lions, a little yard art, like the right accessory, can make a landscape. Consider scale, but the rules are not hard and fast. What’s most important is that it makes you smile.