Summer 2003 - 5933 Highland Hills Drive, West Austin

Seven years ago, the Bakers pulled up their grass and replaced it with flowers and groundcovers such as Asian Jasmine and Sedum. Now, everywhere you look their garden is bursting with color. Due to the careful plant selection, the garden needs little water. The Bakers fertilize with organic products such as Hasta Grow, fishmeal and molasses and do not use any herbicides or pesticides.

Throughout the garden, the Bakers use rock for its dramatic contrast with the flowers and plants.

Above, left: The backyard has a woodsy, natural look. The red Turk's Cap is a good choice for bringing color to shady locations. Above, right: The frontyard is a perennial garden. It not only looks great, but the herbs and flowers smell wonderful as well.