A Place Where Only the Strong Survive
All the plants, shrubs and trees growing at SunnieBelle Farm have two things in common: perseverance and adaptability. It is truly amazing to see how the natives have figured out how to not only survive, but thrive in what most things with roots would consider less than favorable conditions. Acidic, nutrient-poor sandy soil, extreme temperatures both hot and cold, and periods of drought-heavy rain-then drought again. Yet here they are year after year as if to say, “Is that all you got?” All without any human assistance. This determination is appreciated and by wildlife of all sorts–deer, rabbits, too many bird species to count, snakes, turtles, frogs, insects (the list goes on) who use the growth for food and habitat. This is why the back five acres of SBF will remain an open field and welcome to whatever native plant decides to put down roots there. There will be some maintenance to ensure nobody is taking advantage of the situation (I’m looking at you, winged elm) and that everyone gets a chance in the sun, but other than that it will left up to SunnieBelle to tend her garden as she sees fit.
Springtime
The first blooms of the year dot a sea of new grass shoots with bright colors: oranges, pinks, yellows, red, lavender and white. They enjoy their time in the sun before the grasses get too tall.
Larkspur 
Texas toadflax 
Indian paintbrush 
Arkansas yucca 
Chickasaw plum 
annual phlox 
yellow wild indigo 
prickly pear
How about a Pocket Prairie?
Okay, so this all sounds lovely but not everyone has (or wants) acreage. But if you like the prairie idea and have a backyard with a sunny spot where plants can just do their thing, maybe a pocket prairie is right for you! If especially tight on space or looking for a neater appearance a patio planter would fit the bill for many of the flowering plants as well! (Planter bonus: many of our natives are drought-tolerant!)
It is important to note though that, while very beautiful in their own right, these plants are a part of the north Texas ecosystem. They will bloom for a few weeks or a few months depending on the variety but they are not year-round landscape plants nor seasonal bedding plants. Therefore, most of them are best planted out of HOA view. 😉
Bring some of SunnieBelle home to your garden!
Many varieties of plants and seeds are available in our gift shop!