| Fall 2003 - 1507
Barn Swallow Dr., Southwest Austin
Chris Ott's front yard leaves an
impression of serenity and peace. Neatly trimmed Asian jasmine
forms a large, curving island in the front yard between the two
stately live oaks. Color comes from the perennial flowerbed along
the road and by the front walkway. Chris uses only organic fertilizers
and waters the flawless grass no more than every five days in
the summer.
Watering the grass on a sidewalk strip often
leaves a stream of water running down the street. Chris has converted
this water-wasting area to a water-wise flower bed.
Asian Jasmine is easy to maintain
and requires less water and chemicals than grass. It's a great
choice for converting large areas of turf without installing a
full-fledged perennial garden.
 
| Perennials interspersed with
dwarf yaupon holly edge Chris' front walkway. Yellow Bells
provide a vertical accent as well as showy, yellow flowers
from spring to frost. |
|
Foliage with contrasting colors and textures
enliven this shady spot. The bench rests on mulch, instead
of concrete, to help the soil and plants absorb water when
it rains. |
|
