September 03, 2025
I’m writing about one of my favorite Texas gardens in the new issue of American Gardener (Sept/Oct 2025), which just arrived in my mailbox. Titled “A Quiet Prairie Rebellion,” the article features Michael McDowell’s lawn-free garden in a north Dallas suburb.
Michael is better known online as @PlanoPrairieGarden, and he’s been documenting the evolution of his mostly native prairie garden since 2009. The article in American Gardener includes photos by Kenny Braun taken from my new book, Gardens of Texas. It’s a sneak peek of what you’ll see in the book — one uniquely beautiful garden out of 27 from across the state.
American Gardener isn’t available on newsstands. It’s mailed to members of the American Horticultural Society, which is open to anyone. In addition to the beautiful magazine, membership gets you free or reduced admission and other benefits at more than 380 gardens throughout North America, online and in-person educational opportunities, and more. Join here.
And check out Digging Deeper, below, for more info about the book and my speaking events for it. I hope I’ll see you at one!
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Digging Deeper
Want ideas for your yard besides lawn? Sure you do! I’m giving a talk called “Lawn Gone: 8 Great Ideas for Your Yard” on Saturday, September 13, at the Concho Valley Master Gardeners Fall Symposium in San Angelo, Texas. The cost for the all-day symposium with 4 speakers is $30 per person; refreshments and lunch included. Register by 9/10 at this link to attend. I hope to see you there, West Texas homeowners and gardeners!
My new book, Gardens of Texas: Visions of Resilience from the Lone Star State, comes out October 14! It’s available for pre-order now on Amazon and other online book sellers. If you’d like to read it or give it as a holiday gift, please consider pre-ordering. (I’m happy to sign pre-ordered copies at my book events!) Early orders make a big difference in helping new books get noticed. More info about Gardens of Texas here — and thank you for your support!
Tour 5 Austin gardens on Saturday, November 8, on the Garden Conservancy’s Open Day tour for Travis County. Tickets must be purchased online in advance. Find full details here.
Come see me on tour! I’ll be speaking and hosting book events across Texas this fall and into next spring to celebrate the release of Gardens of Texas. Join me to learn, get inspired, and say hello!
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, so join the Garden Spark email list for notification when tickets go on sale: click this link and ask to SUBSCRIBE. Read all about the Season 9 lineup here!
All material © 2025 by Pam Penick for Digging. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited.
