March 14, 2025
Two weeks ago a new nursery specializing in native Texas plants opened in Pflugerville, just north of Austin. It’s called Greensleeves (cue the old English ballad), appropriate for a place wearing its love of native plants on its sleeve, so to speak. The owner, Willy Glenn, is a former co-owner of Barton Springs Nursery, and he brings a trove of horticultural knowledge and skill to his brand-new nursery.
Fittingly, Greensleeves has opened on the site of family-run nursery Green ‘n Growing, which shuttered last fall, ending a remarkable 49-year run. North Austin plant shoppers will recognize its turquoise house, which now sports a fresh coat of paint inside and out.
The plant yards are spruced and ready for spring too. Colorful annuals and flowering perennials draw those hungry for spring color to the plant tables in front of the shop.
But gardeners in the know will head to the back of the nursery for Willy-grown native plants, many in affordable 4-inch pots. Smaller plants at lower prices allow you to experiment with native Texas plants like rosy palafox…
…and a variety of sedges and grasses. (Check out my post about growing a sedge lawn.)
This sign made me smile: “We grew these for you! Willy G.” As you can see, there are plenty of 1-gallon native plants for sale too…
…like elbowbush…
–what a beauty, right?–
…and roughleaf dogwood. What a bonanza of natives to try!
Haters, look away. Willy is even growing baby Ashe juniper, the oft-despised Texas cedar. Yes, cedar trees are native to Central Texas. They green up our hills and provide habitat for the rare golden-cheeked warbler — in addition to spewing clouds of irritating pollen in late winter (but only the male trees). Want to learn more? Read my post about this much-maligned native tree.
I swooned over this cow’s tongue prickly pear. Look at those crazy pads!
Autumn sage with purple flowers (I’ve never seen it in this color) looked great next to purple-spotted mangaves.
A wider shot
More dry-loving plants are found along the driveway, including hesperaloe, nolina, agave, yucca, and cactus.
In the greenhouse, houseplants and hanging baskets offer a taste of the tropics.
Congratulations to Willy and his team on launching Greensleeves, an excellent addition to the Austin area’s independent nursery scene!
You can find Greensleeves online at their website, their Instagram, and Facebook page. Go check ’em out!
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Digging Deeper
Come learn about a visionary xeriscape and pollinator garden called SummerHome at my next Garden Spark presentation on April 10th at 7:30 pm! Tickets are on sale now. I’m excited to welcome Lisa Negri to my Garden Spark speaker series and introduce her to a Texas audience of appreciative native plant lovers. Hear how she transformed an empty lot into an oasis for wildlife and neighbors. The talk will be held at Leaf Landscape Supply (north location), and tickets must be purchased in advance. Join us for an evening of learning, inspiration, and community with fellow garden lovers!
Attend the annual Budding Out Plant Sale & Festival on March 15th at the John Fairey Garden in Hempstead. Shop for rare plants from the garden’s nursery and select plant vendors. Local artists and artisans as well as food, drink, and demonstrations will also be featured. Admission: $5 for members, $10 for non-members, children under 12 free. Hours: 10 am to 4 pm; members get early admission at 9 am (memberships available on day of event).
Shop the Spring Native Plant Sale at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center each weekend from March 28 to April 27, 9 am to 1 pm (last entry at 12:30 pm). The first weekend (March 28-30) is open only to Wildflower Center members, but it’s easy to join. Plant sale admission is free. Bring your own wagon or cart to transport your treasures.
Come to the Austin Cactus and Succulent Society Show & Sale at Zilker Botanical Garden on March 29-30 from 10 am to 5 pm. Includes a plant show with specimen cacti and succulents, handcrafted pottery, daily silent auction and hourly plant raffles, and expert advice. Admission is included with paid admission to Zilker Garden.
Tour 5 unique Houston gardens on Saturday, April 26, from 10 am to 4 pm, during the Garden Conservancy’s Open Day Tour for Houston. Tickets must be purchased online in advance through the Garden Conservancy.
Come learn about gardening and design at Garden Spark! I organize in-person talks by inspiring designers, landscape architects, authors, and gardeners a few times a year in Austin. These are limited-attendance events that sell out quickly, so join the Garden Spark email list to be notified in advance; simply click this link and ask to be added. Read all about the Season 8 lineup here!
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