Martin Byhower | Native Plant Landscape Designer & Birding Guide

I help Central Texas homeowners create beautiful, wildlife-friendly gardens using native plants—with 15+ years of expertise in landscape design, plant ecology, and environmental conservation.

My Background

I bring a unique combination of expertise to landscape design:

Landscape Designer & Plant Expert

15+ years designing native plant landscapes for Central Texas homes. I specialize in creating beautiful, low-maintenance gardens that support birds, butterflies, and other wildlife—while surviving drought, heat, and deer.

Science Educator

Years of classroom teaching experience mean I know how to explain plant ecology, habitat restoration, and environmental conservation in ways that actually stick. When I design your landscape, I can teach you about the ecosystem you're creating.

Professional Birding Guide

My deep knowledge of Central Texas birds and migratory patterns means I design landscapes specifically to attract birds and support local wildlife. The garden I design isn't just beautiful—it's ecologically productive.

Environmental Advocate

I'm deeply concerned about habitat loss and climate change. Every landscape I design contributes to local ecosystem health, water conservation, and climate resilience. Your beautiful garden is part of the solution.

Why Work With Me?

  • Native Plant Expert: I know which plants thrive in Central Texas and which don't

  • Educational: I explain the 'why' behind every recommendation

  • Whole-System Thinking: My background in ecology means I design for soil, water, wildlife, and beauty

  • Practical: I understand HOA requirements, deer-resistance, low-maintenance design, and drought survival

  • Plant Sourcing: I don't just design—I source and deliver the plants

I arise in the morning torn between a desire to save the world and a desire to savor the world. This makes it hard to plan the day.
​-E.B. White

​Hi! My name is Martin Byhower, and I divide my time between enjoying and exploring the natural environment and doing what I can, both professionally and personally, to preserve and protect all things wild. Landscape design and native plant garden creation is a big part of this! My plant sales are strictly organic without any systemic pesticides; plants that encourage and support pollinators and Birds.

I'm a native Californian, where I taught science, restored habitats, worked as an advocate for wildlife, and guided small and large birding groups for decades before my passion for nature brought me to the incredibly rich and diverse central Texas bioregion. When not out birding, photographing nature, and "botanizing", I spend as much time as possible sharing my passions with YOU, helping you create a wildlife friendly garden, helping you find the remarkable avian fauna in this region, or giving presentations to your group, club, or organization. When not doing the preceding, I enjoy chilling with my lovely wife and our dogs and exploring the rich music, dining, museums, parks, and entertainment in Austin and Georgetown TX.

Brief Bio

-Native Plant Retailer and Consultant (TDA License #0735971)
-Professional Birding Guide
-Co-chairman, Sun City Nature Club Bird SIG (Special Interest Group)
-Presenter of Workshops, slideshows, lectures, and more on a variety of topics
-Certified all (4) levels Native Plant Society of Texas Landscaping Workshops
-Texas Master Naturalist
-Lecturer for Lifelong Learners (Senior University) and numerous organizations
-Leadership Council Sun City Recycles
-Award-winning lifelong Science Educator (including California Outstanding Young Educator Award)
-College degrees in biology, geology, and education

-Georgetown resident (Sun City)

Contact me:
310-487-3353