Each year the weather conditions–frequency and amount of rain, as well as the temperature, determine which plants will be favored. The 2026 weather conditions favored the proliferation of Purple Horsemint (Monarda citriodora), also called Lemon Beebalm. Our relatively dry winter resulted in fewer Bluebonnets and Poppies. Fewer poppies in my back yard along with the more frequent spring rains gave the Lemon Beebalm room in the sunlight to resurface.
I rarely replant wildflower seeds, but prefer to let them go to seed and replant themselves. Years ago I introduced Monarda seeds to my garden and initially they reappeared regularly. Then during the drought years I saw very few if any PurpleHorsemint. I did not plant any new seeds. The Purple Horsemint I see this year came from seeds that were on the ground all along but did not germinate until the conditions were favorable.
Purple Horsemint is an annual that is between one and two feet tall with purple to pink whorled flowers. They can grow in large colonies along the side of the road. When the plants are rubbed or crushed they emit a lemony scent; hence, the common name of Lemon Beebalm. The deer do not bother it but the bees and butterflies are attracted to this plant. If the seeds are allowed to mature (not mown down) they will reseed themselves when the conditions are suitable.
Keep Wimberley Beautiful supports “Reduce Reuse Recycle” as a means of beautification through a clean environment. July is Plastic Free movement month. It is well known that plastic waste results in plastic pollution and that we should all reduce our plastic use by refusing single-use plastics. Here is a calendar of ideas on how we can reduce plastic waste during Plastic Free July. https://www.plasticfreejuly.org/
