Helping people understand where they live—through native plants, local stories, and Texas roots
I came across this idea while reading an excellent book,  ​ Carbon: The Book of Life ​ , by Paul Hawken, an environmentalist, entrepreneur, and significant influence on me and my work.  Paul writes about Buckminster Fuller, the historically renowned architect, designer, and inventor of the 20th century. He
Early Voting is underway. It started this last Tuesday and will run through next Tuesday, June 3rd. Election Day is June 7th.  Let’s get out and vote. Turnout was abysmally low for the May 3 Election ( little more than 9% of registered voters in San Antonio voted
🗳️ A quick note before we begin: It’s not typical for Ensemble Texas to include candidate endorsements—mostly because the opportunity hasn’t come up. But I care deeply about this city, and when local voter turnout hovers around 15% —as it did in
Autumn Sage, or Salvia greggii, is a Texas native that brings vibrant color to gardens from spring through the first frost. While it’s most prolific in late fall, this hardy perennial offers bursts of tubular flowers throughout the warmer months, providing long-lasting beauty and ecological value. Its
From food rescue to addressing systemic poverty, the San Antonio Food Bank works to reduce hunger and build long-term solutions for a stronger community. A Growing Crisis, A Committed Response The line of cars stretched for miles outside the San Antonio Food Bank during the height of the pandemic
In a little over a decade, Houston housed over 28,000 people who were experiencing homelessness. The U.S.’s 4th largest city and Texas’ largest has cut its total homelessness figures by more than 60% since committing to tackle this issue head-on in 2012. Representatives from
Mealy Blue Sage, also known as Mealy Sage or Mealycup Sage, is a beloved perennial herb in Texas landscapes. Known for its spikes of blue to lavender blooms, this hardy plant is an excellent choice for attracting pollinators and adding vibrant color to your garden throughout the growing season. Native
On a warm early afternoon in October at Mission San Juan, San Antonio’s Certified Deconstruction Contractor Training was in full swing. Here, participants gathered to learn how to carefully dismantle a residential building instead of demolishing it, salvaging each component for future use. This method, called deconstruction, lies
Austin, Texas.  A city that’s near and dear to my wife and I’s love story. It’s where we met. And in a short time after, it’s where together, we left (and moved South to San Antonio). I moved to Austin in
The announcement of the Arboretum San Antonio marked a major step toward creating a sanctuary for trees and green space on San Antonio’s South Side. At a press event in May 2024, local leaders, including Mayor Ron Nirenberg and former Mayor Henry Cisneros,  unveiled plans  for
Common Buttonbush, also known as Honeybells or Honeyballs, is a distinctive perennial Native Texas shrub that thrives in wetlands across the United States. Its unique, globe-like creamy white flowers bloom from June through September and attract many pollinators. Known for its adaptability, Buttonbush can flourish in diverse wet environments&
The San Antonio River is more than just a body of water. Its water has shaped the history, culture, and development of the city for centuries. The river is the reason San Antonio became San Antonio. It was the lifeblood for the city’s earliest residents and a refuge
Inland Sea Oats, commonly known as Indian Wood Oats, River Oats, or Wild Oats, is a versatile and ornamental perennial Texas native grass. Native to Central Texas and found eastward to the Atlantic coast, this plant thrives in shaded slopes and along stream banks. With striking seedheads that turn warm
San Antonio, a city teetering on the edge of extraordinary transformation, is brimming with potential. The journey ahead promises a future filled with excitement, progress, and innumerable possibilities. At the same time, we're thrilled to announce a new show dedicated to navigating these changes while preserving and enhancing
American Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) is a remarkable plant native to the southeastern United States. It is best known for its display of vibrant purple berries that cluster along the branches. This  deciduous  Texas native shrub can reach an average height of 3 to 6 feet, adding a pop