| Fall 2003 - 11104
Jockey Bluff Drive, South Austin
For less money than the builder was charging
to add water-hungry St. Augustine grass, Venkappa Gani put a beautiful
garden in his backyard. Unlike most ornamental gardens, however,
over 90% of the plants here can be eaten!
The plants here are all grown using
organic methods. Fruit trees planted along the back fence will
eventually produce both food and shade.
Two large cisterns capture most
of the water needed for this garden. The Ganis have also taken
advantage of the topography to conserve water--the most water
needy plants are placed at the bottom of the slope.
  
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The
path from the back door is made of brick set in sand instead
of mortar. This allows water to soak in instead of running
off the site. |
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Some of the harvest. |
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This rose is beautiful, but also useful--its
hips make a great tea and are packed with vitamin C. |
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