As summer is not in full swing in Central Texas, it’s the perfect time to still get outside—or bring a little of the outdoors in—with two creative projects: terrariums and bee or insect hotels. Both are simple to make, family-friendly, and well-suited to our region’s unique environment.
Terrariums offer a great way to enjoy greenery indoors, especially as temperatures begin to climb. Using a glass jar or container, residents can layer pebbles, soil, and hardy plants like succulents or native mosses to create a miniature landscape. These low-maintenance gardens thrive in bright indirect light and add a refreshing touch of green to any home, even during hotter, drier months.
Out in the yard, bee and insect hotels provide valuable shelter for Central Texas pollinators. Built from materials like bamboo, drilled wood blocks, or bundles of twigs, these structures create nesting spaces for native solitary bees and other beneficial insects. Unlike hive-dwelling bees, many local species depend on small, protected cavities to raise their young.
Pollinators such as native bees are essential to the health of gardens, wildflowers, and crops across the Texas Hill Country. With increasing development and habitat loss, these small efforts can have a meaningful local impact.
Whether you’re crafting a tabletop terrarium or creating a bee hotel to put out into your garden this fall, these projects are a rewarding way to support Central Texas wildlife while adding natural beauty to your home.
Final note from us: Coming up on July 3rd is the “Best Little Parade in Texas,” Wimberley’s famous July 4 event. This is one tradition that you don’t want to miss. Keep an eye out for our parade entry.
