Planting in a Post-Wild World
The Upper Texas Coast was once covered in a prairie landscape of grasses and wildflowers. Beneficial insects, birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians all thrived in this diverse and complex system. Over 99% of our prairie habitat no longer remains, and places like the Mandell Park Prairie Garden connect us to what existed here in Houston many years ago.
Ecological Landscaping
Have you ever seen the classic picture of an Elephant standing in front of a group of trees? The caption asks, what do you see? Most people obviously reply, Elephant! Even if the trees are ancient and glorious, it is hard for people to see plants when a mammal is in view. It brings up the point that our plants have evolved millions of years, yet rarely get their much-deserved respect for their essential role in a healthy eco-system. This Garden is designed to combat Plant Blindness!
Don Verser manages the garden. It is helpful to have a key person or "owner" for a project like this, a person who is committed to the site.
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Over sixty species can be appreciated at Mandell Prairie Garden. If you are interested in learning more about which plants are present, please click on the list below.
