Spring 2004 - 2307 S. 3rd St., South Austin

When Jan Adler moved a house on to this lot five years ago, a single pecan tree and weeds were the only vegetation on the harsh caliche soil. Jan says he knows nothing about gardening, almost never waters his yard, and never uses chemicals, but his soil is now a rich loam and his plants are thriving. What's his secret? Each year he breaks up the soil and adds compost. If a plant doesn't do well in one spot, he digs it up and tries another location.

Something's always blooming in Jan's extensive flower beds. Above is a Jerusalem Sage and Antique Rose.

The photo above is taken in front of Jan's porch looking towards the street, but you can't see the street! A variety of evergreen shrubs create an attractive privacy screen. A large Mutabilis Rose is currently in bloom.