Spring 2003 - 5406
Shoal Creek Blvd., Central Austin
 Larry
and Sophie Loessin's shady garden features a carpet of St. Augustine
grass bordered to one side by a flower bed and on the other by
shade-loving ground covers of Periwinkle (vinca) and English Ivy.
Although a poor choice for sunny locations, St. Augustine is the
perfect turf choice for a shady yard. The Loessins leave their
grass clippings on the lawn and use only organic fertilizers.
What better location to sit and
enjoy your garden on a hot, summer day than on a shady porch swing?
The flagstone and crushed granite pathway allows rain water to
be absorbed into the ground.
The flower bed is full of native
plants that attract butterflies, such as coneflowers, salvias
and lantanas. The Loessins chip most of their branches and use
their fall leaves for mulch. Recycling yard clippings back into
your own landscape is the most earth-friendly way of managing
yard waste.
 
Ferns, with their
light, feathery foliage are a perfect accent for this statuette
of St. Francis of Assisi.
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If they get to the fruits
before the squirrels, the Loessins can enjoy fresh figs from
this drought-tolerant fig tree. They also grow vegetables
in their backyard. Homegrown vegetables are easier on the
environment than store-bought, especially if organic methods
and heirloom varieties are used. Many vegetables are transported
in diesel trucks for 100's of miles. |
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