A couple months back, I planted my first round of flowers and shrubs (weeded and composted prior). Everything is growing great EXCEPT my Texas compact sage (2 of them) and my lavender (1 and my wildcard to plant). I've got mostly natives/hardy plants: lantanas (2), satvia greggis (2) , pink autumn sage (1), and knock out roses (2). I figured if there was something wrong with my soil or my watering schedule then all of them would be showing it. Any suggestions/advice would be greatly appreciated.

Background: In south Austin (Zone 8b - Del Rio Clay/Georgetown Formation), water twice a week, area gets 6-8 hours of direct afternoon sun per day and non-direct the rest of the day.

@montana_gardener Welcome to NGA and to Austin! I've never been successful growing lavender. I do grow some natives out front in mostly full sun. The backyard has a few large oak trees that keep me moving pots out of their shade.
Im on an iPad that won't copy a link I wanted to send. I will move to the desk computer and send a couple of helpful links.

Welcome! I'm a former Austinite. Sounds like you're doing good if most everything's surviving. Plus I'm happy to read that you are planting native perennials.

I would be surprised if you could get lavender to grow. On the other hand rosemary would probably be happy.

Not sure what you mean by 'compact sage'. Do you happen to have another name for it?

This is a link to the Travis County Extension Office. The Master Gardeners can answer your questions over the phone and also send you a huge envelope of useful information about what grows successfully here. It's all free!
https://www.traviscountytx.gov...

Here is a link to a popular PBS show about gardening in Central Texas.
https://www.google.com/search?...

There's also the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Aside from visiting it, they have a wonderful website. Don't have the link on my phone but will post it later. Not only is it a great resource, but it can be fun to read the Q & A column written by Mr. Smarty Plants.

I'll add to the welcomes! It will be fun to watch your plants thrive.

I am guessing you moved from Montana. I moved from the north years ago and I found it was a steep learning curve on the types of plants that do best in the heat (and for me) the humidity.

Lavender is one that fails for me. I always assumed it was the heat & humidity because it melts in summer.

If I'm not mistaken there are some lavender farms in central Texas. Perhaps there are some cultivars that do better in your area.

Best wishes, hope to see you around the Garden.

Hello, from me as well. I lived and gardened in Austin for 16 years before moving to the Houston area in 2015. I agree with all the wonderful links that have been posted for you. Austin is a great place for gardeners. I have to admit to being a little disappointed in the gardening resources here in Houston. I guess I just haven't found all the good ones yet, but I definitely plan to keep looking! Happy gardening!

Welcome! Sounds like you're off to a great start. I'm in far, far East Texas (well, South Louisiana really ) but I can tell you that the experienced gardeners on this forum are the best - someone here always has an answer to share or a reference to guide you. Enjoy your first garden - gardening is a lifetime gift