A note from Virginia Gause

The Nature Speaker Series kicks-off this Thursday, October 2nd at Quinta Mazatlan from 6 pm to 7 pm.

Mike Heep’s presentation will guide us in “Designing a Garden that Attracts Birds & Butterflies”. Heep owns a native plant nursery in Harlingen and has worked in the industry for more than 20 years. He has been integral in providing plants and designing gardens for many in the valley.

Heep will discuss native plants to attract birds such as the Manzanita (Barbados Cherry) shrub with an edible fruit eaten by many creatures. The Salvadora (Potato Tree) is also recommended and has attracted many a rare bird to the Valley. Wonderful butterfly plants include the Velvet Lantana and Padre Island Mist Flower.

There are few things prettier than birds and butterflies in your backyard. For your convenience, Mike Heep will also have native plants for sale at Quinta Mazatlan.

The McAllen Nature Speaker Series is hosted by the McAllen Chamber of Commerce and Quinta Mazatlan as a means of disseminating ideas and information about our natural environment and the importance of protecting and conserving these wonders. The series is sponsored by Thurmond Eye Associates every Thursday evening at Quinta Mazatlan through March 2009. For more information contact 956-681-3370 or visit www.quintamazatlan.com