9 Natives Program

What is the 9 Natives Program

CPC developed the 9 Natives Program with Houston NPAT and Clark Condon to make native gardening easy, approachable, and effective. Together, we selected nine native plants for sun and shade that grow well together and support wildlife throughout the year.

These plants were chosen because they:

• are adapted to Southeast Texas

• bloom at different times

• provide nectar, pollen, and seed

• vary in height and structure

• create a small prairie community

Planted together, they form a resilient mini prairie that reflects the beauty and function of the historic coastal prairie.

This showcase garden at the Cockrell Butterfly Center is a fantastic example of what a 9 natives garden can look like in your yard or garden.

Why Native Gardens Matter

Ecologist Doug Tallamy, founder of the Homegrown National Park movement, reminds us that our yards and community spaces are some of the most important habitats left. As he puts it:

“Nature is not optional. We need it for survival, and we need it where we live.”

Through Homegrown National Park, Tallamy encourages people across the country to replace lawns and non-native landscaping with native plants that support food webs and biodiversity. 9 Natives is CPC’s local expression of that idea, helping people in Southeast Texas turn everyday spaces into meaningful habitats.

How the 9 Natives Program Fits into Prairie Conservation

The same native plants grown through CPC’s restoration and stewardship programs are also used in 9 Natives gardens. When you plant native species at home or in your community, you are extending the benefits of prairie conservation into neighborhoods, schoolyards, and shared spaces.

These small gardens help:

• support pollinators and birds

• improve water absorption

• strengthen local ecosystems

• build connections between people and the prairie