Spring
2003 - 1337 Warrington Drive, Northeast Austin
 Karen
Stewart and Carmen Ortiz continue to expand their bedding areas,
creating a showcase for native and adapted plants. At the same
time they are reducing areas of water-needy St. Augustine grass.
This shady bed contains a wonderful
contrast of plant color and texture.
The backyard pond supplies water
and habitat for wildlife. It is primarily filled with water collected
in the property's rain barrels. This is one of the many features
that makes this yard a certified "Best in Texas" Backyard
Wildlife Habitat, a dual certification through both the Texas
Parks and Wildlife Department and the National Wildlife Federation.
 
| The delicate foliage
of yarrow stays lush with minimal watering |
|
An arbor in front a a window
supports a vigorous rose bush, keeping the house cool by shielding
if from the direct sun. |
Solarization clears existing grass
and weed seeds from new bedding areas. It works by heating up
the soil, so use the technique in sunny areas when daily temperatures
exceed 80°F. Weed eat or mow the area as short as possible.
Moisten the soil and cover the area in clear plastic for 10-14
days, until the grass is dead.
These river rocks, stepping stones
and wildflowers offer a good, unirrigated alternative for the
parkway strip between the sidewalk and street.
This turning compost bin
makes creating plant nutrients easy
|
