9 Natives

Want to Plant Natives?

There are so many great reasons to incorporate native plants into your yard or garden. They are hardy and can survive local extremes of heat or cold, drought, and wind. Once established, native plants usually require little or no irrigation or fertilization. They are resistant to many pests and diseases so you will not need pesticides or herbicides. Native plants when mixed together can provide year-round color and beauty, and provide food and homes for the birds, bees, and butterflies.  

The Coastal Prairie Conservancy has collaborated with HNPAT and Clark Condon to create the 9 Natives program, which helps to promote the value of native plants to pollinators, and how these native plants are part of the important prairie landscape. By bringing bits of the prairie into the city, individuals and families can help support pollinators and learn about the historic coastal prairie landscape. The Coastal Prairie Conservancy has produced a video and supporting materials that demonstrate how to create a pollinator garden and how this will make a difference for local wildlife throughout the city. 

When planning the number and types of native plants to add to your garden, it is helpful to see other gardens containing native plants that can demonstrate the size and shape of the plants. Come visit the 9 Natives Showcase Garden that was created at the Houston Museum of Natural Science outside the Cockrell Butterfly Center! This showcase garden is a fantastic example of what a 9 natives garden can look like in your yard or garden.

Videos

Watch these two 9 Natives videos that explain why natives are important for pollinators and how to plant a 9 Natives garden of your own.

Garden Guides

Native plants help absorb water, feed native wildlife, and give us a sense of place. Here are a few resources to get you growing native! Download our guides to create simple gardens with native prairie plants!