This is most definitely a year that good plant selection matters – it’s always important to choose good plants that thrive in local conditions for a low-maintenance, Earth-Kind landscape - but during the extreme heat and drought the native and well-adapted plants really stand out.

Many herbs are Mediterranean plants and do well in the heat, and are wonderful to have in the landscape because they have many advantages. They provide a delicious source of seasoning for meals, many are good for butterflies, they are generally deer-resistant, and are attractive perennials to have in the yard. So consider adding some flavorful herbs to the landscape this fall, as well as some butterfly nectar plants to help the monarchs as they migrate through around August. This will be a tough year for them and every bit of assistance will make a difference in getting them through to Mexico for the winter.

Nectar plants that adult butterflies like to visit include butterfly bush, butterfly weed, blue mistflower, lantana, salvia and flame acanthus. Be conscientious and careful with pesticide use, around both herbs and butterfly plants. People and butterflies will be consuming the plants, so avoid insecticides as much as possible, or only use the properly labeled, edible garden-safe product according to label directions if needed for herbs. In addition to nectar flowers, try to provide a water source for adult butterflies; if there is an existing wet spot, like where air conditioner condensate drains, that will do. If not, a shallow saucer of sand with water added to make it damp can help. Also, use drip irrigation instead of sprinklers as much as possible because spraying nozzles can wash the nectar out of the flowers.

Some of the recommended herbs for the Concho Valley that can be planted in the fall include evergreens like sage, winter savory, rosemary, thyme, oregano, lavender, marjoram and chives; cool-season annuals like parsley, cilantro; and semi-evergreen/perennials like mint, catnip, catmint, lemon balm, Mexican mint marigold, and lemon verbena.

Most herbs prefer full sun and well-drained soil; incorporating compost can help loosen up soil and increase drainage. Some do well in poor soil though, like lavender – it will thrive in rocky, lean soil so don’t add organic matter. Mints can handle more shade and poor drainage.

Don’t miss the annual Fall Landscaping Symposium offered by the Concho Valley Master Gardeners on Saturday, Sept. 10 – for info and to register, visit https://txmg.org/conchovalley/.

Allison Watkins is the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Agent for horticulture in Tom Green County. Contact her at aewatkins@ag.tamu.edu.