The Plant Society 🌿 DC Reflecting Pool woes 🌿 organic weed control 🌿 mountain cedar talk

NURSERY NOTES: Tomorrow morning (June 27) Elizabeth McGreevy presents "Mountain Cedars: Junipers that Benefit Texas Karst Country," a free lecture at Hornsby Bend. (Also available on Zoom.) She is the author of "Wanted: Mountain Cedars, Dead and Alive" and will explore the benefits of these controversial trees, and the ways they improve and sustain the Texas countryside. 10 a.m. Register here: TreeFolks 🌿

Also tomorrow, learn how to make authentic, home-made corn tortillas from Lisa Wagner at the Natural Gardener. 10 a.m. Free. TNG 🌿

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REFLECTING POOL WOES: as Washington scrambles to turn the waters of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool from green to blue ahead of July 4th, the Austin Garden checked in with two local pond experts for their perspectives:

“They need to hire professionals, and do some research. If the water is stagnant, there is going to be algae. I personally think they should introduce water lilies and fish and snails, to create a balanced eco-system. That will take care of the algae." Aayan: (the Great Outdoors)

“The fact that there’s algae would suggest there’s a build-up of nutrients, and probably not enough circulation going on. Lots of sun and poor circulation make it ripe for algae bloom. Creating a more natural eco-system would definitely balance it out and get rid of the algae. Water lilies can be really helpful, because they shade the water and keep it cooler. But honestly it’s more of a swimming pool than a pond." Alex Mohan (Barton Springs Nursery)

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CONTROL WEEDS WITH VINEGAR: with the blessing of Austin's spring rains comes the vigorous growth of all things. If you are battling against spurge or any of the other countless weeds, there's an organic solution:

Mix together1 gallon vinegar, 1 cup salt, 1 tbsp dish soap, and spray. Set Apart Farm & Gardens Homestead shows how it's done: YouTube ❦

THE AUSTIN GARDEN relies on readers for support. Whether annual or monthly, all donations are welcome. At present 7 % of readers fund this newsletter. Many thanks in advance. PayPal link ❦

The Plant Society

by Darrel Mayers

One morning, after 20 years of hard work as a nurse, Casey Buckingham awoke and made a decision: “I have to open a plant shop.”

The result — the Plant Society — is a tucked-away little gem of a place in East Austin stuffed with over 110 different houseplants at pocket-friendly prices.

“My journey with plants started as a way to bring a little peace and balance into my life,” explains Casey (on the shop's website).

“What began as a few houseplants quickly turned into a full-blown passion—one that not only transformed my space but also my mental well-being.”

“Plants taught me patience, mindfulness, and the simple joy of watching something thrive.”

Her joy with plants is reflected in the joy of her enterprise, and the good vibes that she brings to 12th and Chicon — an intersection in the past known more for its troubles than its plant shops. “I love East Austin’” she says. “It feels raw and real.”

During her plant journey, Casey has also become something of an expert, and is eager to share advice with her customers.

“People who think they’re bad with plants are overloving them. Sometimes it’s best to step back and let them be. People think plants always need water. Often the less we do, the more a plant thrives.”

Casey's favorite is the rare and highly sought-after variegated Alocasia mcholitziana 'Frydek' They are quite fussy, and susceptible to pests, she says, "but they’re my fragile babies.”

In the shop's main room, 20 plants in the early stages of development hang on a wall in test-tubes, each one numbered 1 - 20. This is the Propagation Wall.

For $5 you receive a token to feed into a random-choice machine, which then reveals your lucky number. I lucked out with a quiet beauty called Philodendron Shangri La.

The Plant Society is still in its infancy, but it is off to a brilliant start, and was nominated as a finalist in this summer's Austin Chronicle “Best Garden Store/Nursery” category.

“This shop isn’t just about selling plants—it’s about creating a community,” writes Casey, “where we can all slow down, reconnect with nature, and fill our spaces with a little more life. So come by, say hi, and let’s grow something great together.” ❦

Find The Plant Society at 1912 E. 12th Street, 78702

Closed Mondays & Tuesdays. Website