A basic tenet of organic gardening is to plant only native and well-adapted plants. These plants thrive in our local soil and climate and tend not to have disease and pest problems. They look like they belong. Large stands of pine trees flourish in east Texas and Houston, but not in north Texas. The maple trees of Ontario will not make it in north Texas and they would look out of place. Over the years, I have grown to love the trees of north Texas. The mighty oaks and pecans provide us with much-needed shade. Eastern Red Cedars are such a great windbreak.

Spring is a special treat as the redbuds dot neighborhoods and the countryside with their pink to magenta blooms. The clusters of flowers along the branches of the tree appear before the leaves. The large bluish-green leaves are heart shaped with round tips. Reddish-purple seedpods last through the winter. This small, drought-tolerant tree will grow in full sun as well as serve as an understory tree, getting only 15 to 20 feet tall.

Butterflies and bees are attracted to the flowers. We should be too - they are edible, with a slight peppery, nutty flavor, perfect in salads. Many birds eat the seedpods, so you are likely to see volunteers pop up here and there. Before that happens, take some of the seedpods when they are young and tender and cook them like peas. Just one more reason to grow your tree organically.