Mon Feb 22: Phyllis Dolich, “Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder - attitudes about landscaping that are detrimental to our butterflies (and other wildlife)”
Zilker Botanical Garden Center, 7:00pm.
Recently my husband and I fought and won a battle with our Homeowner's Association to preserve the plants growing in a protected “native area” to the rear of our backyard. This area was deeded over to us in 2000 when we bought the lot and built a new house. A nine-year conflict started with one complaining neighbor who could not tolerate the native grasses and wildflowers that grew under the canopy of live oak, cedar elm and bur oaks. We had hoped to keep this area natural – even got it designated as a Best of Texas Backyard Wildlife Habitat - but our community compliance director enforced a ruling which required us to mow everything down 3 times a year.
To conserve the late season grasses and wildflowers that I had learned were so crucial to butterflies and other wildlife, we submitted a request through a committee which issues permission to add to (or change) one's landscaping. Although successful, it was later rescinded as a “mistake” and threats of fines were issued.
Finally, an appeal to the Board of Directors last year met with success, but not before a required “maintenance plan” be submitted by us, and approved by the full board. Club members will enjoy the images and emphasis on preserving native plants for the sake of our local butterflies and other wildlife in this document, which we would gladly share with anyone facing a similar situation.
I have been a resident of Sun City Texas in Georgetown for ten years. I have served as president of the Sun City Texas Nature Club in Georgetown and as president of the Williamson County chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas.
My passion is to study and document native plants, gardens, ponds, and wildlife. I have arranged my images in various formats for the purpose of education and fund raising.
I have learned to combine gardening and a concern for nature using a variety of native plants to attract, shelter and feed our wildlife. My yard was certified as a “Best of Texas Backyard Wildlife Habitat” and, as a trained Steward, I helped others plan their landscaping to benefit local wildlife.
Phyllis says: I have enjoyed being a public speaker to educate the public about conservation and native plant usage. I was honored to be asked to be a presenter at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center February 2006 Spring Symposium. My garden was featured in the Wildflower Center’s Native Plants magazine and on PBS’ Central Texas Gardening.
