The Greater Frisco Home & Garden Show is back at Ford Center at The Star next weekend, March 27-29. We go every year. Partly because there's always a few good ideas floating around — but honestly, partly because it's interesting to see what the big vendors are pushing versus what actually works in North Texas dirt. Those are not always the same thing.
Here's what we think is actually worth your attention this year.
Natives Are Finally Getting Their Moment
For years, we've been telling customers: plant what's supposed to grow here. Texas sage. Blackfoot daisy. Mexican feathergrass. Flame acanthus. These plants evolved in this heat, in this clay, with this kind of water. They don't need babying, they don't need chemicals, and the bees and butterflies love them. The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center built a whole searchable database for this — plug in your zip code and it tells you exactly what thrives.
The industry is finally catching up. You'll see native gardens all over the show floor this year, and honestly, it's about time.
Outdoor Rooms Are Getting Serious
This one's not new, but it's evolving. A few years ago, a paver patio and a grill was an "outdoor kitchen." Now our Southlake and Frisco clients are asking for full outdoor living rooms — built-in seating, fire features, cooking areas, even covered structures with fans and lighting for summer. The National Association of Realtors keeps ranking hardscape improvements near the top for return on investment, and in this market, that tracks. People use these spaces eight months out of the year here.
If You're Still on a Timer, You're Overpaying
Smart irrigation controllers — the kind that check the weather and adjust automatically — aren't fancy anymore. They're just correct. If you're running a basic timer that waters on Tuesday and Friday no matter what, you're wasting water and money. EPA's WaterSense program certifies the good ones, and the savings add up fast in a DFW summer.
The Quiet Shift in Turf
Bermuda is still king around here, and probably always will be. But we're seeing more Zoysia and even some buffalograss going in — especially for homeowners who want a nice lawn without mowing twice a week. It's not for every yard, but for the right situation, it's worth a conversation.
If you make it to the show, enjoy it. If you come home with ideas, we're here. We've been building landscapes across Frisco, Plano, and Southlake long enough to know what works on a show floor and what works in your actual backyard.
