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While Texas is known for its high summer temperatures, industry professionals say the region’s climate also comes with an extended growing season. 

With spring in full bloom and summer quickly approaching, here are six plants that don’t just survive but thrive in the Texas sun. 

Bougainvillea: The heat-loving vine flourishes in the sun and requires minimal watering. Bougainvillea can be planted in containers, trained along trellises or grown across fences for a vibrant pop of color.

Tip: Prune the plant after heavy blooming periods to keep it looking full and healthy.

Cora XDR Vinca: Available in shades of pink, red, white and lavender, the flower is known for its disease resistance and heat tolerance as well as its “eye” at the center of the bloom. 

Tip: Plant the flower in full sun with well-drained soil and water consistently at first to enjoy a long-lasting and low-maintenance bloom. 

With the original restaurant established in Vintage Park, Chef Paul Friedman has expanded The Chef’s Table into River Oaks.

On the menu: Friedman’s latest concept showcases his experience operating more than 50 restaurants in South Africa and around the world. The Chef’s Table’s menu includes an entire section dedicated to African cuisine, featuring dishes such as ostrich filet, karoo lamb porter and South African sole.

One more thing: The restaurant offers a cocktail hour Sunday through Friday from 2-6 p.m. for small bites and 2-7 p.m. for drinks at the bar and patio. 

• 2055 Westheimer Road, Ste. 180, Houston

Just as schools and students are getting ready for the academic year to end, Harris County Commissioner Lesley Briones’ Sidewalks 4 Precinct 4 public safety initiative is preparing for its summer break phase.

Established in 2024, Sidewalks 4 Precinct 4 aims to improve the county’s walkability as well as the overall safety for its residents by constructing 75 miles of sidewalks in multiple phases throughout unincorporated Harris County, according to its website.

On the horizon: The project’s $16 million second phase began in 2025 and is expected to be completed by fall 2026, Briones said.

Also of note: Briones also held a May 5 news conference to announce the start of construction of 4.25 miles of sidewalk along South Mason Road.

The $2.54 million project will be primarily funded by Precinct 4 with contributions from Cornerstones Municipal Utility District and Memorial Municipal Utility District.

Democratic candidates Christian D. Menefee and Al Green will face each other once again in the May runoff election for Congressional District 18 after no candidate received more than 50% of the vote in the March 3 primaries.

The overview: In a four-way primary race, Green secured roughly 47% of the vote while Menefee garnered about 41% of the vote. The winner of the May 26 runoff will face the Republican nominee—Ronald Dwayne Whitfield—in November.

Members of the U.S. House of Representatives are elected for a two-year term with no term limits. Following congressional redistricting, which will take effect in January 2027, District 18 will cover portions of southwest, central and northeast Houston.

Preparing for the polls: Texans can vote early in the runoff election from May 18-22. Runoff election day is May 26.