Native Plants and Community

This lesson plan was created for Las Perras Cafe in the East End of Houston, TX.

Native plants are natural teachers in the lesson of growing better together. In designing the planting selection for the Las Perras Cafe, the primary plant we had to work with in the space was a beautiful young Sycamore tree. As they continue to grow, their shade will protect anyone else underneath them. I work in my personal time in a riparian area near the cafe and am familiar with what relatives enjoy growing with the Sycamores. Sycamores are a striking tree with vibrant green leaves and white, peeling bark. Their shelter ensures the soil will stay moist and cooler than more exposed areas of an ecosystem. A riparian ecosystem occurs along waterways and enjoys frequent flooding. These spaces can look different region to region but along the Gulf Coast, Sycamores are a common face to see along creeks and bayous. They are also my friend Erin's favorite tree!

A hug and thank you to Andrea at Las Perras for partnering with me on this project and allowing me to help care for the patio space at her incredible cafe.

I am additionally grateful to know and learn from the dynamic ecosystems of SE 'Texas' that have been stewarded by the Karankawa, Akokisa, Alabama-Coushatta, and bands of the Coahuiltecan people since time immemorial. Without Indigenous people's kinship to these lands, colonialism would destroy the soil, waterways, and air that care for us all. As such, the funds raised during this workshop have been donated to the Karankawa tribe to help fund their community gatherings.

Las Perras Planting Guide (1).pdf

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