Mandell Park Native Plant Tour

Plants in our Prairie

Like a wide, flat prairie, this bed is flat and receives full sun. This provides ample space for Texas grasses to flourish. Native texas grasses help to prevent flooding and erosion with their long root systems that hold dirt in place and absorb more water than traditional lawns. They also tend to grow taller and provide more cover for small animals.

Plants in our Sign Bed

The sign bed represents two different biomes and is not a bioswale, meaning there is less moisture. The west side of the bed, which receives full sun, represents a prairie, while the east side represents a woodland and prairie edge where the trees shade the plants growing there.

Plants in our North Bioswale

Bioswales differ from other plant beds at the park because the bioswales have storm drains, meant to help reduce flooding. Because they channel water, the plants in the bioswales receive more constant moisture than the other beds. The north bioswale combines woodland and wetland plant habitat. The trees provide shade, and the area is usually somewhat damp. The native plants in the bioswale help reduce flooding and provide biodiversity that supports many species of insects. 

Plants in our Northwest Bioswale

Bioswales differ from other plant beds at the park because the bioswales have storm drains, meant to help reduce flooding. Because they channel water, the plants in the bioswales receive more constant moisture than the other beds. The northwest bioswale combines woodland and wetland plant habitat. The trees provide shade, and the area is usually somewhat damp. The native plants in the bioswale help reduce flooding and provide biodiversity that supports many species of insects. 

Plants in our Elephant Bed

Currently a work in progress, the elephant bed will be planted with native plants in the fall, and the front of it will be developed as a nursery bed for plants that can be transplanted elsewhere in the park. The biome of the elephant bed is largely reminiscent of a woodland edge, as it receives more shade from the trees on its border. 

Plants in our Pollinator Garden

The pollinator garden receives full sun, and largely holds vibrantly colored flowers, and they attract pollinators like bees or butterflies. Some of the plants in the pollinator garden include:

Zinnias

Tropical milk weed

Mexican heather

Plants in the Garden Bioswales

Bioswales differ from plant beds because the bioswales have storm drains, meant to help reduce flooding. Because they drain water, the plants in the bioswales are exposed to more moisture than the other beds. The garden bioswale represents a cross between a woodland and a wetland. The trees provide shade to the plants and the water gives the area a marshy nature. The native plants in the bioswale also help to reduce flooding and provide biodiversity to the bioswale. 

Plants in the South Flower Garden

The flower garden receives full sun and contains a variety of native and non-native plants. These flowering plants attract pollinators and improve biodiversity.