WEBVTT 00:01.466 --> 00:03.400 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% I've grown native plants a long time, but I still ask, 00:04.833 --> 00:07.200 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% what should we do in summer for the ones that bloom and fall? 00:07.933 --> 00:09.500 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% Should we prune or not? 00:09.500 --> 00:12.666 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% To put us in the know, San Antonio native plant designer 00:12.666 --> 00:16.600 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% and wildlife steward Drake White preps us for a new season. 00:17.733 --> 00:19.166 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% Drake, it is so great to see you again. 00:20.033 --> 00:21.533 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% Thank you so much for having me. 00:21.533 --> 00:25.800 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% I appreciate this opportunity to educate others. First Drake, 00:25.800 --> 00:27.333 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% Tell us about you. 00:27.333 --> 00:30.633 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% I am the owner of the Nectar Bar, which is a local native 00:31.800 --> 00:33.633 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% landscape company and a small nursery. 00:35.466 --> 00:38.833 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% And what I do is I create habitat for pollinators and wildlife. 00:40.066 --> 00:42.100 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% I am a Texas Master Naturalist, and I'm 00:42.100 --> 00:45.266 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% also a member of the Native Plant Society. 00:46.900 --> 00:50.333 align:left position:20% line:77% size:70% I enjoy doing education things for children and children of all ages 00:51.766 --> 00:53.700 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% because we should always 00:53.700 --> 00:56.633 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% strive to continue to learn and educate ourselves throughout life. 00:58.166 --> 01:01.566 align:left position:20% line:77% size:70% Why are you so committed to designing and planting for wildlife? 01:03.000 --> 01:05.000 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% I think it's really important, especially for our pollinators. 01:05.000 --> 01:08.733 align:left position:20% line:77% size:70% Without pollinators, we don't have plants; is really the gist of it. 01:09.966 --> 01:11.966 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% A lot of it is you know talked about that. 01:11.966 --> 01:16.400 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% Oh, you know one of every bite that we eat is created by a pollinator. 01:18.266 --> 01:21.400 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% But the realistic of it is if we don't have pollinators, we don't have plants. 01:22.833 --> 01:25.166 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% So and if we don't have plants, we don't have a lot of things. 01:26.633 --> 01:28.266 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% And with that also comes that, hey, you know what, since it's 01:28.266 --> 01:31.733 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% native, not much care really needs to go into it. 01:31.733 --> 01:34.266 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% Yes, you have to get it established, but 01:35.366 --> 01:37.300 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% you don't need to really water it so much. 01:38.466 --> 01:39.933 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% Most of them will die if water them too much. 01:39.933 --> 01:42.500 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% So it's really like, hey, who doesn't want to save water? 01:43.666 --> 01:44.700 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% We definitely want to save water. 01:44.700 --> 01:46.933 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% And in our heat, it just thrives. 01:47.833 --> 01:49.933 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% I always look forward to fall. 01:49.933 --> 01:54.133 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% It's my favorite season because after we've gone through a grueling August, 01:55.600 --> 01:58.333 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% I really welcome the change of season, but also all the colors 01:58.333 --> 01:59.900 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% and all the wildlife. 01:59.900 --> 02:03.866 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% So why is it important to have fall blooming flowers, 02:05.800 --> 02:09.066 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% not just spring flowers, which are great, but why should we have fall flowers? 02:11.033 --> 02:14.200 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% Well, fall flowers are really important because it helps with many things. 02:15.366 --> 02:16.900 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% One with migration, the Monarch butterfly. 02:18.833 --> 02:21.933 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% They need a lot of fall flowers just to kind of fatten themselves up with nutrition 02:23.866 --> 02:25.766 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% to continue their journey to Mexico, but also with other pollinators. 02:25.766 --> 02:29.800 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% Other butterflies need to kind of get themselves ready to go into 02:29.800 --> 02:32.733 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% what they call a diapause or a hibernation of such. 02:34.366 --> 02:35.500 align:left position:20% line:77% size:70% They kind of hibernate over in leaf litter and things like that. 02:35.500 --> 02:38.900 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% So it's really important for our wildlife 02:40.333 --> 02:43.666 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% to kind of get prepared for fall, for winter in the fall. 02:45.033 --> 02:47.233 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% So in order to do that, we have to kind of do our part 02:48.400 --> 02:49.900 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% to make sure that that's available for them. 02:49.900 --> 02:54.433 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% So to kind of help them a little bit after the brutal summer. 02:55.933 --> 02:58.666 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% What are some plants that we should prune 02:59.866 --> 03:02.333 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and how much and why do we do that? 03:03.766 --> 03:07.500 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% OK, so typically what I like to say, your timeframe in 03:08.666 --> 03:10.366 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% pruning for fall would be between June 1st 03:11.500 --> 03:13.666 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and the mid to third week of August. 03:15.200 --> 03:17.633 align:left position:20% line:77% size:70% And what you want to do is whatever there's different plants 03:17.633 --> 03:19.166 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% would take different things. 03:19.166 --> 03:22.833 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% So, for example, frostweed, June 1st or that first week of June, 03:24.133 --> 03:26.166 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% whatever its height is, you would cut it by half. 03:27.600 --> 03:29.200 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% And what that's going to do, it's going to push out, become 03:29.200 --> 03:33.333 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% healthier, a thicker stem and give you multiple flower heads, 03:34.766 --> 03:37.933 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% which is what the Monarchs need during their migration. 03:37.933 --> 03:41.100 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% It is definitely a fall bloomer to start blooming for you 03:42.400 --> 03:44.166 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% around the end of August, beginning September. 03:45.166 --> 03:46.833 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% And that's really important. 03:46.833 --> 03:50.400 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% One of their main staples that they choose, a lot of things 03:50.400 --> 03:55.400 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% get really make your different salvias, flame acanthus, Maximillian sunflowers, 03:57.433 --> 04:00.600 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% all of those are ones that are probably looking kind of scraggly right now. 04:01.766 --> 04:04.000 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% So looking at what you have in your space, 04:05.466 --> 04:07.033 align:left position:20% line:77% size:70% you'll see the ones that are kind of sticking out really leggy 04:08.400 --> 04:11.166 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% and you'll take it back to where the most bushiest part is. 04:13.166 --> 04:16.400 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% So it could either be by half or it could be maybe just a couple of inches. 04:17.800 --> 04:19.333 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% You just kind of have to stand back and see where the 04:19.333 --> 04:22.166 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% fullest part of your plant is and trim it back to that part. 04:23.600 --> 04:26.233 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% That way, more flowers will come, even if it has flowers. 04:27.700 --> 04:30.333 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% People are so afraid, they're like, oh, but it has flowers. 04:31.733 --> 04:33.300 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% And in they're hummingbirds are using it right now. 04:35.266 --> 04:36.866 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% So those 10 flowers that you may have or twenty flowers that you may have, 04:36.866 --> 04:38.400 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% if you trim those off, 04:38.400 --> 04:42.100 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% you'll have 30 to 40, because it doesn't have to spend the energy 04:43.700 --> 04:46.200 align:left position:20% line:77% size:70% getting into those ones that are long and making keeping that alive. 04:47.666 --> 04:51.500 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% It can say, OK, here, boom, give all that energy into new growth 04:53.466 --> 04:55.266 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% and new flowers, which are more in abundance and it's a healthier plant. 04:56.433 --> 04:57.466 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% Does that apply to Turk's cap as well? 04:58.333 --> 04:59.633 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% Could we kind of trim those off? 04:59.633 --> 05:01.733 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% Mine are getting already really leggy. 05:02.466 --> 05:04.466 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% Yes, Turk's cap as well. 05:04.466 --> 05:08.200 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% And depending on how high some people have this year, you know, this year is 05:08.200 --> 05:12.633 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% just going to fund for for plants, even with with the big freeze that we had. 05:14.633 --> 05:17.366 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% A lot of our natives have made it and they have for just gone gangbusters. 05:18.700 --> 05:22.266 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% My turk's cap also is very leggy and it's about six foot 05:22.266 --> 05:25.300 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% tall, which typically it never has been over three feet. 05:27.166 --> 05:29.233 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% So what I will definitely be doing here in the next couple of weeks 05:29.233 --> 05:32.700 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% is trim that by half or at least hip height for myself. 05:33.566 --> 05:35.300 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% So maybe about three foot tall. 05:35.300 --> 05:38.966 align:left position:20% line:77% size:70% I'll cut it back by half in my space, in your own space that you may have. 05:39.700 --> 05:41.200 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% You can kind of judge. 05:41.200 --> 05:43.466 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% But yeah, it'll definitely push out sometimes, too, 05:43.466 --> 05:48.466 align:left position:20% line:77% size:70% when it tends to get so leggy, it falls over and we don't want that, too. 05:49.800 --> 05:52.000 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% So by cutting back, you're creating a healthier 05:52.000 --> 05:54.966 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% stem and it's not top heavy to fall over and break. 05:56.366 --> 05:59.533 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% How like can we go say we don't get a chance to do this 05:59.533 --> 06:04.533 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% until the last week of August, maybe even, you know, say Labor Day week? 06:05.400 --> 06:06.900 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% Is that OK? Yeah, that's OK. 06:06.900 --> 06:10.833 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% Maybe if it's that late, you may not want to cut it 06:10.833 --> 06:14.500 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% as drastically, but trim off and always trim off a little bit. 06:15.366 --> 06:16.800 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% Step back, see how it looks. 06:18.100 --> 06:19.433 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% You can always trim a little bit more. Wonderful. 06:20.633 --> 06:24.433 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% Now with native plants, do we need to fertilize? 06:24.433 --> 06:27.266 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% How do we then kind of pump them up a little bit? 06:29.200 --> 06:31.900 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% This is a wonderful question about do we need to fertilize native plants? So. 06:33.333 --> 06:35.766 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% I said the only thing that you could do 06:37.433 --> 06:41.233 align:left position:20% line:77% size:70% or you may want to do is actually just give it some good compost. 06:42.433 --> 06:44.933 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% I mean, some really, really good compost. 06:46.266 --> 06:50.166 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% If you're feeding them a chemical fertilizer, most likely 06:51.700 --> 06:53.733 align:left position:20% line:77% size:70% it's not going to be happy with it and it may not survive at all. 06:54.833 --> 06:56.533 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% They don't like chemical fertilizers. 06:56.533 --> 06:59.666 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% And many of times, 06:59.666 --> 07:02.500 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% especially those that are new to it, don't know 07:02.500 --> 07:06.966 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% how to correctly measure out that. 07:06.966 --> 07:10.133 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% And sometimes they burn the plant. So it's better. 07:10.133 --> 07:13.233 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% You can never burn the plant. You can't put too much. 07:13.233 --> 07:18.233 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% You can't do any of that with a natural just compost with some good worm castings 07:18.966 --> 07:20.900 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% or things like that. 07:20.900 --> 07:24.233 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% That's much easier, much better and actually healthier for your native plants. 07:25.500 --> 07:27.166 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% And that probably should be done three times a year. 07:27.166 --> 07:29.300 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% So you'll want to do it. 07:29.300 --> 07:34.066 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% Maybe September 1st and then just kind of go, you know, every three months. 07:35.433 --> 07:37.766 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% Fall is also the best time to plant new plants, 07:38.833 --> 07:40.233 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% to get them established over the winter. 07:41.666 --> 07:43.100 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% Nurseries will have them in the fall because they're blooming. 07:43.100 --> 07:46.000 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% And so you can see how they look and you can get your color 07:46.000 --> 07:47.633 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% combinations together. 07:47.633 --> 07:49.866 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% Why should we plant in fall? 07:49.866 --> 07:54.866 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% And also, maybe give us an idea, something for sun, something for shade, 07:56.500 --> 07:59.533 align:left position:20% line:77% size:70% something for like a tiny little bed, like, you know, those little 07:59.533 --> 08:03.733 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% tiny pocket beds at the front porch or for a container. 08:05.000 --> 08:06.366 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% One reason why you would want to plants in fall 08:08.000 --> 08:12.133 align:left position:20% line:77% size:70% and not really so much in summer is because it can't you can't do both. 08:13.000 --> 08:14.833 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% It can't get itself established 08:14.833 --> 08:18.700 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% and protect itself from the heat and weather that we have here. 08:18.700 --> 08:22.133 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% We've been lucky this year. We've had kind of not so bad 08:23.333 --> 08:25.433 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% summer, but we're not finished yet. 08:26.600 --> 08:28.800 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% So there's no way that it can do both. 08:28.800 --> 08:33.800 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% It can't grow its new roots and establish itself and protect itself 08:35.400 --> 08:39.033 align:left position:20% line:77% size:70% from the harsh weather elements that it can hit during our hot summer. 08:39.900 --> 08:41.733 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% So fall is definitely the best. 08:41.733 --> 08:45.133 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% Trees you definitely should only plant in fall and 08:46.500 --> 08:48.233 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% and winter come spring it's a little bit too late. 08:49.700 --> 08:51.933 align:left position:20% line:77% size:70% A few plants that I could definitely suggest milkweed for me. 08:53.366 --> 08:55.566 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% You can never have enough native milkweed. So fall and spring, 08:55.566 --> 08:58.966 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% you should always plant at least a couple of them for plants. 09:00.933 --> 09:04.000 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% I would say your fall asters flame acanthus is just I mean, for everything 09:05.566 --> 09:09.633 align:left position:20% line:77% size:70% from hummingbirds to butterflies to a host plant for caterpillars. 09:10.966 --> 09:12.700 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% I mean, you win all the way around with that one 09:13.866 --> 09:15.766 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and it takes literally like no maintenance. 09:16.500 --> 09:18.000 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% And then frostweed. 09:18.000 --> 09:20.933 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% So it's definitely a staple for the Monarchs during migration. 09:22.333 --> 09:23.800 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% It does this cool little thing. If we were to get a freeze, 09:23.800 --> 09:26.300 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% it busts at the seams and shows you little ice ribbons. 09:26.300 --> 09:29.333 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% But it's also a host plant for the Bordered Patch butterflies. 09:30.733 --> 09:32.133 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% Some of those things that I just mentioned, the frost weed, 09:33.300 --> 09:35.766 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% the fall aster and the flame acanthus, 09:36.900 --> 09:39.300 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% you can do in either sun or shade or dappled. 09:41.300 --> 09:44.966 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% So you'll get more blooms with these flame acanthus definitely in the sun. 09:47.000 --> 09:50.100 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% And it won't get as many blooms, but it will still bloom in a dappled shade. 09:51.700 --> 09:55.200 align:left position:20% line:77% size:70% Turk's cap absolutely loves dappled shade and it can take some sun, 09:56.600 --> 09:58.500 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% but it can't bake all day long or it's not really happy. 10:00.033 --> 10:02.200 align:left position:20% line:77% size:70% It gets kind of I don't know about that, but frostweed frostweed. 10:02.200 --> 10:06.000 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% definitely I mean, even if you're out in your natural areas out on a hike, 10:06.000 --> 10:07.533 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% you'll see it and typically you'll see it in understory. 10:07.533 --> 10:09.066 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% you'll see it and typically you'll see it in understory. 10:09.066 --> 10:10.466 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% you'll see it and typically you'll see it in understory. 10:10.466 --> 10:10.600 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% It's definitely in shaded dappled sun areas. 10:12.566 --> 10:15.600 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% And another one that would do really good in sun or shade is snake herb. 10:16.966 --> 10:20.933 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% And snake herb is a little groundcover with purple flowers. 10:22.333 --> 10:25.133 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% It's also a host plant for the common Buckeye butterfly. 10:26.700 --> 10:29.200 align:left position:20% line:77% size:70% It doesn't grow really much taller than about six inches max. 10:30.633 --> 10:32.133 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% And it'll spread out and be a nice little ground cover 10:33.333 --> 10:34.900 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% for anywhere that you have in shade. 10:34.900 --> 10:38.166 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% But it also grows in sun, so you get a double bonus. 10:39.633 --> 10:41.200 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% But you can also have small spaces or even in containers. 10:41.200 --> 10:44.033 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% A lot of people think, oh, I, I live in a small condo 10:45.366 --> 10:48.000 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% or I have a townhouse and I don't have much of a yard. 10:49.300 --> 10:51.766 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% But you get plants even even what we like to call 10:52.533 --> 10:54.733 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% a way station in a pot. 10:56.766 --> 10:59.766 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% So if you had like a 16 inch to a 20 edge round pot, you can actually put 11:01.066 --> 11:05.400 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% a frostweed a zizotes days or texana, 11:05.400 --> 11:07.933 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% which they do well in pots. 11:09.400 --> 11:13.533 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% And then something that everyone I feel must have is mistflower. 11:15.133 --> 11:17.166 align:left position:20% line:77% size:70% So if you have Gregg's mistflower, you have those three things. 11:17.166 --> 11:21.966 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% You have created a healthy ecosystem in a plant, on your porch or on your patio. 11:23.366 --> 11:26.800 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% And you are now servicing and helping wildlife as well. 11:28.100 --> 11:29.600 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% So whether you have a huge yard acreage, a. 11:31.600 --> 11:34.500 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% Small backyard, a small planting spot, or just you can only do it in a pot, 11:34.500 --> 11:38.633 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% everyone can as absolutely plant for wildlife and for butterflies. 11:40.466 --> 11:43.733 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% So when you mentioned milkweed, what are the native ones that you mentioned? 11:45.400 --> 11:47.833 align:left position:20% line:77% size:70% I know they're hard to source, but what are the ones that maybe we could 11:49.666 --> 11:52.833 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% look at? And then what is your feeling about the tropical, the Mexican milkweed, 11:54.300 --> 11:57.166 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% the debate on whether we should cut them back early or or not? 11:58.066 --> 11:59.033 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% What's your take on that? 11:59.033 --> 12:01.700 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% With native milkweeds here in in 12:01.700 --> 12:04.966 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% in in Bexar County, it's going to kind of differ 12:04.966 --> 12:08.900 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% depending on where you're at in your and it's for every state. 12:10.066 --> 12:11.800 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% Well, I should even say for every country, 12:11.800 --> 12:14.700 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% because there's milkweed in every country. 12:15.866 --> 12:17.166 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% And it's important to those areas. 12:18.633 --> 12:20.733 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% In my experience, the ones that do the absolute best 12:20.733 --> 12:25.033 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% are the antelope horn, the green antelope horn, zizotes and Texas milkweed. 12:26.400 --> 12:28.866 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% Those are your absolute best out of those your zizotes 12:28.866 --> 12:33.300 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% and your Texana are going to be the ones that do fabulous in pots. 12:34.033 --> 12:35.700 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% They're okay in pots. 12:35.700 --> 12:38.966 align:left position:20% line:77% size:70% And the bonus with that is that you don't need to bring them inside. 12:38.966 --> 12:40.966 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% If we're going to get a freeze, just leave them out. 12:40.966 --> 12:42.600 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% They're fine with it and they're going to survive 12:42.600 --> 12:44.100 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and they're still going to grow back. 12:44.100 --> 12:46.900 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% Now, with your tropical milkweed, it's not native. 12:48.400 --> 12:50.033 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% Many people have already bought it or they're willing to buy it 12:50.033 --> 12:53.166 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% because it's so readily available in the nurseries. 12:54.766 --> 12:58.100 align:left position:20% line:77% size:70% And the number one thing that I see is that, well, it's got aphids. 12:58.100 --> 12:59.500 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% I'm not touching it. 12:59.500 --> 13:01.500 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% I don't want something that has all those aphids on it. 13:02.633 --> 13:04.666 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% And I'm actually saying, yes, you do. 13:04.666 --> 13:07.766 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% You do, because that tells you that it's clean milkweed. And what I mean 13:07.766 --> 13:11.566 align:left position:20% line:77% size:70% by clean milkweed is the fact that there are no pesticides on that. 13:12.700 --> 13:15.600 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% Ladybugs, lacewings, hoverfly larva, 13:15.600 --> 13:19.133 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% all that will take care of your aphids. 13:20.333 --> 13:21.866 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% You don't need to do anything to it. 13:21.866 --> 13:25.300 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% Even sometimes, the caterpillars purposely eat the aphids. 13:25.300 --> 13:29.166 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% I recommend cutting it back twice a year, June 1st. 13:30.033 --> 13:31.700 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% Cut it down to the ground. 13:31.700 --> 13:34.566 align:left position:20% line:77% size:70% And the reason why I say this is because spring migration has brought 13:35.433 --> 13:37.566 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% all of the plants together. 13:37.566 --> 13:41.866 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% Are all of the butterflies together that can actually drop the OE spore on that. 13:43.166 --> 13:47.633 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% And so we want healthy we need for the fall migration. 13:49.266 --> 13:51.233 align:left position:20% line:77% size:70% So if we actually cut it back because it's not going to die back 13:51.233 --> 13:54.733 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% for us in the summer, like our native milkweeds sometimes die back. 13:56.366 --> 13:58.533 align:left position:20% line:77% size:70% So if they die back and they grow back, it's fresh, new growth 13:58.533 --> 14:00.166 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% that's ready for the fall. 14:00.166 --> 14:03.700 align:left position:20% line:77% size:70% Migrating monarchs that may break dormancy its actual diapause 14:04.866 --> 14:06.900 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and then lay their eggs on that plant. 14:08.366 --> 14:11.133 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% So we want fresh, healthy plants available for that. 14:11.866 --> 14:13.466 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% So if you have that, 14:13.466 --> 14:15.233 align:left position:20% line:77% size:70% even if it has flowers, I promise you, you'll get more flowers. 14:17.166 --> 14:20.500 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% It'll be a bushier, healthier plant and it'll be clean enough for any 14:22.733 --> 14:25.266 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% Monarchs that may lay eggs, but also your Q ueens. 14:26.700 --> 14:29.866 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% And then again, you'll trim it for the second time in December. 14:30.933 --> 14:32.966 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% Well, I guess depending where you're at. 14:32.966 --> 14:37.800 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% So if kind of here, I always cut it back around December 1st and I just keep it 14:39.366 --> 14:43.033 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% cut back until January 1st, 14:44.133 --> 14:45.833 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% because we can still be quite warm 14:45.833 --> 14:48.766 align:left position:20% line:77% size:70% all through December and things grow really, really well because it's 14:48.766 --> 14:52.833 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% not so hot. So, yeah, I just keep cutting it back 14:52.833 --> 14:56.533 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% and I leave it cut back and it just bushes out and bushes out. 14:58.133 --> 15:01.400 align:left position:20% line:77% size:70% So I recommend here of Bexar County just to cut it back December 1st. 15:02.866 --> 15:04.733 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% But some people that are further out and it gets colder quicker, 15:05.933 --> 15:07.933 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% you may want to cut that back starting. 15:09.333 --> 15:12.033 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% First of all, our first of October into mid mid-October. 15:12.033 --> 15:14.766 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% So anywhere between October 1st and December 1st 15:16.033 --> 15:17.633 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% is when you should definitely be cutting it back. 15:19.200 --> 15:22.933 align:left position:20% line:77% size:70% You're also involved with a really fun family event in San Antonio. 15:24.933 --> 15:28.233 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% People from all over the state and perhaps even from all over the country attend. 15:29.766 --> 15:31.766 align:left position:20% line:77% size:70% It's called the Monarch Butterfly and Pollinator Festival. 15:33.200 --> 15:36.033 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% This year, it's going to be an in-person event once again 15:37.200 --> 15:39.266 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% on October 16th in Confluence Park. 15:40.133 --> 15:41.600 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% So tell us more about this. 15:41.600 --> 15:45.466 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% We are so excited to finally be able to come back in person. 15:46.333 --> 15:48.800 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% I am the chief docent manager. 15:48.800 --> 15:52.533 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% I basically educate the volunteers that will be helping 15:53.766 --> 15:57.200 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% tag and release the butterflies to educate people. 15:59.000 --> 16:02.100 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% If you've never done it, I mean, just to have the experience yourself is fabulous. 16:03.566 --> 16:07.033 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% But the fact that we actually get to teach people why. Yes. 16:08.833 --> 16:11.166 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% You know, the butterfly getting to have that experience is the wow factor. 16:12.333 --> 16:14.133 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% They actually get to learn why it happens. 16:15.533 --> 16:17.566 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% A lot of people don't know that there's a two way migration. 16:18.766 --> 16:20.700 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% And when they find out, this also inspires them. 16:20.700 --> 16:23.066 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% What I want to be involved. 16:23.066 --> 16:24.933 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% How do I get involved? 16:24.933 --> 16:26.533 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% So many questions are asked. 16:26.533 --> 16:29.466 align:left position:20% line:77% size:70% Even by little ones. And I love it. Like, well, where does it go? 16:30.333 --> 16:31.600 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% Well, it's going to Mexico. 16:31.600 --> 16:33.600 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% It's a wonderful family event. 16:35.166 --> 16:36.733 align:left position:20% line:77% size:70% Are you going to wear your butterfly wings again? Absolutely. 16:36.733 --> 16:38.566 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% I'm always ready with my wings. 16:39.933 --> 16:42.200 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% Well, I hope people can come on down to that. 16:44.166 --> 16:46.300 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% In the meantime, how can they follow you on social media or your website 16:48.300 --> 16:51.366 align:left position:10% line:77% size:80% so that they can learn more of your tips all the time or get involved with you? 16:52.800 --> 16:56.066 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% In San Antonio, they can see me on Instagram and Facebook. 16:56.066 --> 17:00.400 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% I have both. And they also go to my Web page as well. 17:01.133 --> 17:02.633 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% This is so inspiring. 17:02.633 --> 17:05.833 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% I learned so much, and I know that our viewers will, too, 17:05.833 --> 17:09.166 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% and our pollinators will all be very thankful. 17:10.600 --> 17:12.300 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% So really, thank you so much. Thank you so much for having me. 17:13.166 --> 17:13.900 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% Peace, love and butterflies.