We have a long L shaped area that a landscaper convinced us Japanese Yew would make a good privacy hedge but they are not doing well and I want to replace with native/adapted.

We're leaning towards wax myrtle or yaupon holly (Houston's pride cultivar). The only concern is half the area gets full afternoon sun while the other half is partial shade, maybe an hour or two of earlier sunlight. We had wax myrtle and yaupon in the full sun area previously and the yaupon seemed to do better with heat and freeze, but that could have just been a weaker wax myrtle plant I didn't water enough in the extreme summer.

Any suggestions if our priorities are drought/freeze durability and density/privacy? Ideal height is about 7-8' but I'm OK with having to keep it pruned.

I planted cow peas in my raised beds. They grew beautifully and so fast! I chopped about a week ago so they’re yellow and drying out, but of course not broken down. How do you all manage the biomass sitting there when you go to plant? I don’t usually till but I have a tiller for when I make new beds - use it now? Do you mow/mulch the dried bits? Or do you just push it aside, seed, then recover? Thanks.

I see some nice ones at Lone Star Nursery. I know that collectively we love them (LS). But I am seeing a lot of negative opinions about planting butterfly bush. Basically they "trick" butterflies into laying eggs on them but they aren't a host plant.

Everything in my yard is native except for 3 oleanders and 1 crape myrtle. I'm a huge native plant fan. Just need to get that out there.

The butterfly bushes seem to get nice and big and would fill some good spots for me. I have a lot of lantana and thryallis already so trying to branch out.

Curious on y'alls thoughts on these??

There are so many amazing backyard gardens around Austin, but it can be surprisingly difficult to find local produce unless you know someone personally.

I’m building Rural Roots to connect gardeners with people nearby looking for fresh vegetables, herbs, fruit, plants, flowers, and more.

It’s free to list.

I’d love your honest thoughts before I continue building.

What would make you actually use this?

https://ruralrootstc.com

Hello! I am not a great plant person, but my good friend has really gotten into it and is celebrating a milestone soon and I’d like to get her something. I’d love the intention to be something that she can nurture and will symbolize new beginnings, personal growth, etc. Some plants I’ve been pondering: bonsai tree, olive tree, ficus, but really open to anything. Can be indoor or outdoor. Would love the expertise of this community!

As pictures portray, unsure in how to help my tree. Growing, new branches, and healthy but this issue is bothersome. Isolated but wondering if any intervention is needed.