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| Because their original house was
relatively small, Mary Pat Waldron and Frank Curry wanted
to extend their living area to their large yard. |
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It’s
hard to believe that when they
bought their home twelve years ago that it was primarily
St. Augustine grass with few shrubs in the front. |
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Wanting
a more sustainable yard and noticing how long it took Frank
to mow each week, Mary Pat took the lead on choosing native
plants for the perimeter of their large, corner lot. |
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Every Green Garden has its surprises,
and this one includes an entourage of chickens that greet
you at the gate! |
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The
chickens were Frank’s idea because he hoped they
would improve their compost and take care of some of the
bugs in the yard. The eggs are an added bonus! |
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The swimming pool for their daughter,
Miranda, is large enough for adults to take a swim and
to feed the more water-hungry banana trees that surround
it. |
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Frank, the
primary cook in the family, uses the banana leaves and
root beer plant leaves to wrap the family’s dinner
which he then smokes in their chiminea. (Look carefully
and you’ll see the chickens keeping cool in the shade. |
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Continuing
their quest for sustainability, the new commercial photography
studio in the back reduces travel time to work
as well as auto emissions. The new building will be featured
on the Cool Tour, Austin Energy’s Green Building
showcase. Note the varied textures used in the pervious
pavement and mulches outside the door. |
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A
large rainbarrel collects the runoff from the studio roof,
while another gutter drains into the smaller tub that helps
water the herb garden behind it. The large solar energy
panels on the roof provide a finishing touch to this earth-wise
home and garden in South Austin. |
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Another advantage
of having hens roam the yard is that your guests can go home
with a packet of eggs! |
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