Non-Native Texan Transplants Herself in the Hudson Valley
by Betsy Porter
“You are moving the family where?”
“To the Hudson Valley in New York State!” replied my son.
Ironically, I was born and raised in the Adirondacks until I was 14, when my father took a job in Houston, Texas, and took us with him—it was the first big adventure of my life. And now, moving to the Hudson Valley has been another!
Given the news that my family was moving to my home state, I made a quick decision to move “back home.” After 60 years of living in various cities in Texas, I put my Dallas home up for sale and told all of my native-plant-loving friends to dig up any plants they wanted from my garden. The house sold in four days, and then off I went to find my new home and garden in the Hudson Valley.
During the process of finding a new home, I knew it would be important for me to connect with like-minded native plant enthusiasts. I had been active with the Dallas Arboretum, Greater Dallas Organic Garden Club, and the Dallas Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas. My search led me to the Wild Ones Mid-Hudson Valley Chapter.
I was very impressed with the Wild Ones websites—both the National and the Mid-Hudson Valley Chapter. The Mid-Hudson Valley Chapter listed numerous trips to surrounding gardens, nurseries, and arboretums throughout the region. I joined and began participating in as many events as I could. After exploring the beautiful Mountain Top Arboretum in Greene County, I was hooked. My knowledge of regional native plants grew with each event and with every new person I met.
I moved into my forever home in September 2024. The house was on ¾ of an acre with little plant life except for large trees in the back of the property. Grass grew up to the edge of the foundation; that had to change! I hired a landscaper to remove the grass from around the house and create garden beds of various shapes and sizes.
Spring 2025 came, and I was suddenly overwhelmed with the “clean slate” that I had created–what would I plant?! Thanks to my new friends at Wild Ones, advice flowed in. With each event I went to, I learned a little more about what works and what does not. My trips with the Mid-Hudson Valley Chapter to various native plant nurseries now had a purpose; I became more familiar with the different species that would work in my local area and the new gardens I was developing.
I have a vision for my property that will take time to develop. I want to incorporate indigenous native plants that will give back to the animal and plant kingdoms. I envision a meadow, pollinator gardens, and privacy hedgerows that will feed birds, insects, and wildlife. Currently, the front yard is devoid of trees, so I have learned the importance of planting bare-root trees instead of larger balled-and-burlapped trees. I have also learned the importance of using plugs in mass plantings for better growth and stability. Moreover, the Mid-Hudson Chapter has a robust seed program that has been very influential in developing my interest in seed collecting, cleaning, and winter sowing. I now have a sign in my yard that says, “New Garden in Progress.” I aim to continue to reduce the amount of grass on the property by using smothering techniques to create more beds. The sign will move around my yard for many years to come!
Wild Ones Mid-Hudson Valley Chapter has an amazing lineup of programming for 2026, including field trips to various native-plant gardens, collaborations with native plant nurseries, lectures, plant sales, seed swaps, and many more events. I consider myself a beginner student of native plant gardening in the Northeast. With my continued involvement in the Wild Ones Mid-Hudson Valley Chapter, I feel confident that my knowledge will continue to grow. I am extremely happy to be living in this gorgeous Hudson Valley and be involved in this amazing organization.
Learn more about volunteering with Wild Ones Mid-Hudson Valley.
Betsy Porter relocated to New York’s Hudson Valley in 2024 from Dallas, Texas, where she was an active garden volunteer. She honed her love and knowledge of native plants while creating a native landscape in Dallas with her husband. Betsy is passionate about our beautiful outside world and all it has to offer. She is currently transforming her new “blank slate” garden in Dutchess County and serves as Wild Ones Mid-Hudson Valley’s Volunteer Coordinator.
