As the icy grip of winter tightened its hold on Houston, gardens across the city faced a formidable challenge. More than 30 hours of freezing temperatures put local greenery to the test, leaving many residents concerned about the fate of their beloved plants.
KPRC 2 Meteorologist and Reporter Daji Aswad delved into the aftermath, seeking insights from a local plant nursery specializing in native plants. In the midst of frozen landscapes, one thing became evident – the resilience of native plants.
Native Plants: guardians of Houston’s gardens: In a conversation with Joshua Carnegie of Joshua’s Native Plant Nursery, Daji Aswad explored why native plants are the unsung heroes of Houston’s urban farms. Carnegie explained that native plants have stood the test of time, having adapted to the city’s diverse climate – from scorching heat to bone-chilling cold, from droughts to floods. Remarkably, these hardy plants thrive without any extra care, cover, or interference.
The Unfazed Garden: Walking through a garden that had weathered the recent freeze, Joshua Carnegie showcased a variety of native plants, all of which had endured the harsh conditions without any protective measures. When asked if these plants would bounce back, Carnegie confidently stated, “This garden has been here for decades. We don’t cover anything; we don’t baby any of these plants. They come back in a couple of months – give them a haircut, and they’ll be just gorgeous. They may look bad now, but just wait.”
Dormancy, not demise: One common misconception, as pointed out by Carnegie, is the panic that sets in when people see brown leaves. He reassured viewers, “People will see leaves that are brown and they panic; they think they are dead. They are not dead; they are just dormant.” Emphasizing the need for patience, Carnegie advised against hasty actions such as cutting back or replacing plants prematurely. Native plants, he explained, have a remarkable ability to rebound, and premature interventions can hinder their natural recovery process.