Dave Grows Wild

Dave Grows Wild Sharing my garden, pond, backyard birds and critters, native plants, and adventures in nature.

As a Texas Master Naturalist, I celebrate Texas wildlife, conservation, and the beauty of the outdoors through photos and stories.

09/06/2026

Hummingbirds stopping by Dave’s Nectar Bar for some refreshment. Also, an unexpected guest dropped by. Enjoy!

09/05/2026

Having a blast watching the hummingbirds fight over one of my feeders. They buzzed the tower (me), quite a few times!

I’m sitting out by the pond under the patio umbrella, and enjoying a light afternoon rain shower on the garden. I look u...
09/01/2026

I’m sitting out by the pond under the patio umbrella, and enjoying a light afternoon rain shower on the garden. I look up and these little fella is staring back at me, lol. Apparently I have a opossum cave amongst the rocks in my pond.

08/29/2026

The Fall Hummingbird migration has started. This Ruby-throated Hummingbird has staked a claim to part of our backyard - a variety of flowers and the feeders are on her daily menu.

08/28/2026

YES! RAIN! Wonderful thunderstorm to bring some nitrogen rich water for the plants and cool things off for at least a day.

08/10/2026

Lower Trinity Basin Chapter of Texas Master Naturalists planting a pollinator and bird-friendly demonstration garden at Joe Matthews Park in Mont Belvieu, TX. Find more information about joining us at www.lowertrinitybasin.org - our next training class starts Sept. 2nd

08/03/2026

What’s fluttering? Painted Lady Butterfly (Vanessa cardui)
one of the most widespread butterfly species on Earth, found on every continent except Antarctica and Australia. It’s an extraordinary migrant, capable of traveling thousands of miles over multiple generations in search of food and suitable breeding habitats.

Female Painted Ladies lay their eggs on host plants such as thistles, mallows, and hollyhocks. After hatching, the caterpillars feed on these plants before forming a chrysalis and emerging as the colorful butterflies we recognize. As adults, they play an important role as pollinators, visiting a wide variety of flowering plants while feeding on nectar. This particular specimen was having a field day with our Zinnias!
Have you seen any in your garden lately? I’d love to see you pics or comments here.

What’s blooming? Mexican Sunflower (Tithonia rotundifolia) Its fiery orange blooms are a magnet for hummingbirds, butter...
08/02/2026

What’s blooming? Mexican Sunflower (Tithonia rotundifolia) Its fiery orange blooms are a magnet for hummingbirds, butterflies, bees, and other pollinators, making it a powerhouse plant for wildlife-friendly gardens. Fast-growing. Heat-loving. This annual easily grows from seeds which you can sow in the spring. The easily grow 6-7 feet tall and feature multiple blooms that last well into fall. A great addition to your pollinator garden! 🦋🐝🌼

What’s hunting? The Blue Dasher Dragonfly (Pachydiplax longipennis), one of southeast Texas’ most dazzling summer visito...
08/01/2026

What’s hunting? The Blue Dasher Dragonfly (Pachydiplax longipennis), one of southeast Texas’ most dazzling summer visitors. I have a plethora of these little predators zipping around my garden and pond. I frequently find exoskeletons of their nymphs that have emerged from my pond to take wing as adults. These aerial acrobats spend their days darting through the air, catching mosquitoes and other small flying insects with remarkable precision. Males, which are bright blue, often perch on tall flowers, grasses, and the Pickerelweed in my pond. They launch on quick patrol flights to defend their favorite hunting spots before returning to the very same perch. The females have dark bodies with yellow stripes down their sides.
One great reason to add a pond with vegetation to your backyard is to attract these and other dragonflies - beautiful, efficient, natural pest control.

It’s National Wildflower Week. The Lower Trinity Basin Chapter of Texas Master Naturalists is celebrating by promoting T...
05/07/2026

It’s National Wildflower Week. The Lower Trinity Basin Chapter of Texas Master Naturalists is celebrating by promoting Texas native flowers. Enjoy these images taken by one of the chapter members. I hope you consider growing your own wildflowers at home - they’re beautiful and great for wildlife.

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