Hi, all. I have been semi-organic flower gardening. I live in Central Texas where we have a lot of very hot, dry weather and baked soil, and then along comes winter with high winds and temps down to 20, 30, zero. but mostly in the 20s and 30s. And we have about 80 wild deer that will even eat things they're not supposed to. If I purchase a plant to put in the soil, I leave it in the pot where they can get it to see if they will eat i! If not, it goes in the ground. Haven't had much luck except with native plants and want more color and beauty to enjoy. Have a small fenced in area where I'm trying my luck with hibiscus but they'll need protection from cold. Summer here has been as consistently hot and dry as usual, and plants (except natives) are not happy at all about it. Deer. weather, harsh sun and brief but hard on plants cold, it's definitely a challenge. Have seen even large crop areas close by fail, so sad! Our 3/4 acre is not completely fenced to allow our country critters some space in a world that is becoming so built up. it's very rocky ground, and the soil is baked hard, insects are numerous and destructive to plants if allowed. so plants need all the help they can get, even natives. I anticipate a reliance on good knowledge and experience to help win this battle. I will be grateful for any tips 'n tricks anyone has learned, too, and I will be grateful.