Spring 2004 - 4212
Lostridge Dr., Stillhouse Hollow
 Carolyn
and Bob Easter started with a blank slate when they purchased
their home in the Stillhouse Hollow area 11 years ago. Their front
and backyards were filled with St. Augustine grass and little
else. They’ve since converted it into a haven for visiting
wildlife and a vegetable garden abundant enough to share with
their families and neighbors.
They have a colorful front yard
filled with deer resistant cherry sage, white lantana and blue
majestic sage – a color scheme that should be in full bloom
for the Fourth of July! They’ve recently replaced their
thirsty St. Augustine grass in the sunny front yard with the more
drought-tolerant zoysia.
 
Located over the
Northern Edwards Aquifer, they watched water flow downhill
from neighboring yards into this sinkhole that recharges the
aquifer. They’ve put a grate over the sinkhole to protect
the site where their nine grandchildren come to play.
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In this peaceful corner, the
angel statuette is surrounded by blooming Jerusalem Sage. |
 
| The birdbath offers
a water source and bird feeders abound to encourage wildlife
and further aid pest control. |
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Faced with the rocky soil
of the recharge zone, Carolyn and Bob brought in truckloads
of soil ammended with compost to create raised beds for their
vegetable garden. |
They practice the French method
of companion planting for pest control to avoid the use of insecticides.
In the photo above, you’ll find spinach and strawberries
side by side and another area combines tomatoes with basil. They
also have trap plants that attract bugs to keep their more desired
vegetables free of pests.
Bob also is a Real Estate Broker and remodels homes. He landscapes
each remodeled home with earth-wise plants and materials. The
interior of the home is also updated with the City of Austin recommended
energy features and water wise additions for older homes.
Carolyn and Bob Easter participate
in the City’s pilot project, Stillhouse
Spring Cleaning, a water quality education study.
For more information about this program or to set up a tour of
the Easters' yard, email Watershed
Protection or call 512-974-2550.
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