Welcome to Celestial Habitats, a native plant resource for the Gulf Coast prairie and marsh ecotone of eco-region 1 (Pineywoods) and eco-region 2 (gulf coast prairie). We specialize in design, consulting and construction of organically sustainable native plant and natural habitats. We also construct flagstone patios, arbors, ponds, "rain (bog) gardens", prairie establishment and boulder benches. Native plants are hardy plants from this area, are drought-tolerant elements of water conservation and attract wildlife. They require less fertilizer and help keep pollution runoff to a minimum. We are strong supporters of reducing total square foot coverage of monocultural crops like St. Augustine. Less turf, less waste and more productivity. This concept is defined in the principles of Watersmart Landscaping and further explained in the Gulf of Mexico Repair Kit, an Rx for a healthy Gulf. Find out here! - Is your yard protecting Galveston Bay? Native plants are aesthetically beautiful and were here before the Europeans came to America. There is a larger variety than most people would expect or even imagine.

Living in Bellaire, Texas presents a challenge for the 1 story homeowner who lives between two 2-story brick mansions. The back yard is wet from the higher grades on both sides. Perfect place for a bog garden or "rain garden". A natural, low wet spot that can accomodate marginal plants with "wet feet". There are many to choose from. Many are natives. Bog/"Rain gardens" filled with 50% sandy soil, 30% topsoil and 20% organic matter and are flood control reduction agents. This fill absorbs 65% of its weight in water. After 100% saturation, it acts as a downward wicking sponge (forced and pushes excess water straight down into the soil. Watch one get filled for the first time. It is an education in itself. I can see why wetlands are becoming popular again. Also, by keeping the water on your property and recycling it back into the ground, one can capture precious rain and biofilter the water for the flora.

There are entire communities that are certified as "Community Wildlife Habitats". In Texas, there is the Texas Wildscapes program and the Best of Texas Backyard Habitats which features on page 2 Celestial Habitat's owners' yard with native plant inventory list, is listed in the American Garden Museum and is a Texas Parks and Wildlife Demonstration Site. Currently, there is an unprecedented wave of interest in certified native wildlife habitats. With growing public concern about the urban environment, developers are slowly learning to live with rather than fight nature. It is my understanding that developers are beginning to use "permeable pavers" such as "Grasstone". Applications like this result in a natural, balanced setting with diminished environmental impact. Another way to work with nature and to enhance environmental benefit is the recent method of creating a Naturescape which is a new master plan concept designed to develop flood detention basins into beautiful, wildlife habitats. This concept uses stormwater to its fullest benefit.

There are numerous ways to deal with mitigation of storm water runoff and ground water pollution. Storm water is slowly being viewed more as an asset than a "waste". A few heretofore mentioned mitigation ways are vegetation, soft mulched ground, native plant habitats, Naturescapes, bog gardens and rain gardens, all of which promote "infiltration" of water into the water table and thus provide the recharging of it. This process plays an important part in reducing subsidence which is a major factor in foundation settling and repair. Amazing, isn't it? Viable solutions that are "natural"? A more creative approach used to recharge the water table is the use of "permeable pavers" called "Grasstone". The visitor parking lot at the Harris County Flood Control District Office off the Northwest Freeway has these installed and being an almost impervious but mostly, permeable surface, infiltrates water into the water table which is drawn upon by the huge native plant beds that are located adjacent to them. These beds were planted by several non-profit groups that participate together in nature projects, the Native Plant Society of Texas and the Texas Master Naturalists. The Houston area could stand more of this 3rd party participation in the immediate future. Look around and see what and how you can be involved in helping Houston achieve a victory in this never ending battle of man against nature. Find a community retention pond, drum up interest and support and plant one with native plants suited for that specific site. In the cases where FEMA has mitigated flood property and cleared it, develop a community wildlife habitat and a "rain garden". There are over 100 community gardens in Houston. It's time for "community wildlife habitats" and community "rain gardens". Try one of these projects, You will be surprised at the level of enjoyment you can derive from working in the community. It is a true feeling of a "sense of place".