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Gregory
Thomas feels that his family's garden is a work in progress
so this “story” will be not necessarily about
a finished product, but the work involved and enjoyment
that they have reaped from the process and the results to
date. Gregory, a professional architect and garden designer,
wanted to transform the yard that was primarily St. Augustine
turf into one that offered more color, texture, and movement.
(Gregory is shown here with his daughter, Phoebe)
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Before.
This before shot shows the parched turf in the sunny front
yard. Making sure to follow neighborhood association requests
for well kept yards, the Thomas’ first built a wall
around the area immediately in front of their home to separate
the new grass from the remaining St. Augustine that was
surviving with little water on the shady side of the lot.
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After.
They seeded the area with the native blend of Buffalo and
Blue Grama from Native American Seed. The result is a soft-textured
grass that moves in the breeze and is comfortable to walk
on. Because they like a slightly longer look to their turf,
the surrounding wall offers a slight barrier from the street
and provides a comfortable seating area to not exclude conversations
with neighbors.
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A
next step was to prepare the long front and side beds for
trees and plants. Using the weed barrier at left and a thick
coating of mulch on top, weeds are minimized. Daughter Eve
is hard at work here. |
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They
call this their “clean slate” that will house
new plants as they find ones they enjoy. The Western Oaks
neighborhood is well known for the many flags that appear
on holidays so their contribution will be a strip of plants
that promotes a red, white and blue theme. The Knock Out
roses and Plumbago are some of the first entries. |
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side curb strip is filled with Mexican Feathergrass, Lavenders
and one Indigo Spires, for structure which are then interspersed
with wildflowers and sage. |
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The
driveway for the house is on the side street, so the Thomas’
wanted to change this austere entry to a friendly welcome
to their home. |
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Primarily
cool-colored purple and blue blossoms, with some sunny yellow
accents fill the bed. An unusual Purple Skullcap, a feathery
Senna, Scarlet Pea, and other plants offered at the Wildflower
Center’s Plant Sale make the bed a delight to the
eye. |
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One
of Gregory’s goals was to bring new life and a less
traditional, natural look to the neighboring landscapes.
He said that he’s had mixed comments from those walking
by. Some have said it’s inspirational but some are
more reluctant.. He’s not sure how to take the comment
that all he needed was a rattlesnake and road runner to
complete his native look! It doesn’t concern him however.
The Thomas’ find pleasure in the seasonal changes,
wind-swept grasses, and ever-changing color that they’ve
added.
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