Haeley Giambalvo, Author at Native Backyards

5 Reasons to Grow Lemon Mint (Monarda citriodora)

ByHaeley Giambalvo March 9, 2023

Lemon Mint (Monarda citriodora) may just be my favorite Texas wildflower! I love its unique stacked blooms and pretty purple flowers. This plant goes by more than one common name – you may have also heard it called Lemon Beebalm, Horsemint, or Lemon Bergamot. All are referring to the same plant! Native to the southern US, this wildflower can handle full sun to partial shade. It starts putting on basal leaves in early spring and blooms in the summer.

Texas Native Plants

5 Reasons to Grow Zexmenia (Wedelia texana)

ByHaeley Giambalvo February 28, 2023

Need a full sun drought-tolerant Texas native plant to add to your yard? Zexmenia (Wedelia texana) is for you! Butterflies and other pollinators love this small shrub with a sprawling growth habit. A long-time bloomer, Zexmenia will brighten your garden from May through November!

Texas Native Plants

5 Reasons to Grow Cedar Sage

ByHaeley Giambalvo February 24, 2023

Looking to add a pop of color to a shady area of your yard? Plant Cedar Sage (Salvia roemeriana)! This Texas native plant thrives in nature under the shade of Cedar (Ashe Juniper) trees on the Edwards Plateau, hence its common name Cedar Sage. This low growing perennial is a great way to brighten your yard with red flower spikes in the spring. Saliva roemeriana grows around 1 foot tall and tends to form colonies by reseeding easily.

Texas Native Plants | US Native Plants

5 Reasons to Grow Silver Ponyfoot

ByHaeley Giambalvo February 21, 2023February 21, 2023

Need a beautiful ground cover to add to your garden? Silver Ponyfoot (Dichondra argentea) is a full sun-loving native plant that thrives in well-drained soil. This pretty groundcover is known for its silver leaves and silver stems. Dichondra argentea is a native plant – found in parts of Texas, New Mexico and Arizona! In addition to being a great ground cover, it looks beautiful flowing over rock walls or cascading over an elevated pot or hanging basket.

Invasive Plants

Top 10 Texas Weeds to Know

ByHaeley Giambalvo February 6, 2023

Want to know what Texas weeds are popping up in your garden bed or lawn? I’m here to help! Knowledge is power when it comes to weeding. Knowing what the plant is is the first step before trying to get rid of it. Late winter and early spring is when the weeds start to emerge here in Texas.

Texas Insects and Wildlife

10 Texas Wasps to Know and Appreciate!

ByHaeley Giambalvo January 26, 2023January 27, 2023

Our native wasps perform many important ecological services here in Texas. Most importantly, they keep insect populations in a healthy balance by serving as predators and parasitoids. Adult wasps also serve as pollinators.

Texas Insects and Wildlife | Wildflower and Pollinator Garden Tips

Top 5 Native Texas Bees to Know!

ByHaeley Giambalvo December 8, 2022January 27, 2023

Want to learn more about the Texas bees that visit your plants? You’ve come to the right place!Did you know that 80% of our flowering plants can thank pollinators (and especially bees) for their existence? That includes 60% of our crops. Without bees, there would be very few plants…and food! Our 800 different native Texas bees play a vital role in plant pollination. However, most of us are only familiar with the common European honeybee, which was imported to the U.S. in the 17th century.

Texas Insects and Wildlife | Wildflower and Pollinator Garden Tips

Top 25 Texas Butterflies: The Ultimate Guide!

ByHaeley Giambalvo November 28, 2022January 26, 2023

With over 400 butterfly species, Texas has more types of butterflies than any other state! I’ve selected just a subset of butterflies in Texas for this guide. These 25 species are typically found throughout the state and fly throughout the year. They are some of the most common butterflies you will find in your garden, especially if you grow Texas native plants!

Texas Native Plants

Top 10 Drought Tolerant Perennials for Texas

ByHaeley Giambalvo November 10, 2022January 5, 2023

Want drought-tolerant plants for your yard? Go native! These 10 Texas native plants pass the drought-tolerant test with flying colors. They are tough as nails and have been surviving on their own in nature for thousands of years.

Summer 2022 in Texas tested even the most seasoned gardener, and the hardiest of landscaping plants. However, these 10 drought-tolerant perennials can survive very hot summers and very dry conditions. These are all excellent choices for your landscaping, flower beds, or rock gardens.

Texas Insects and Wildlife

Texas Birds – The Ultimate Guide for Beginning Birders!

ByHaeley Giambalvo October 31, 2022January 26, 2023

New to birding? This post is for you! I wrote this to help you get to know the birds of Texas. Especially our year-round residents that are common throughout much of the state. This is by no means an exhaustive list. Over 600 species of birds have been recorded in Texas! Instead, I am prioritizing birds you are most likely to see in your yard, or out on a birding walk with a seasoned guide. I’ve also included some of my favorite birding books and gear to help you get started!