Spring 2003 - Willow
Street, East Austin
 Welcome
to Austin's first Award Winning Green Garden, the home of Jeff
Simecek, 2100 Willow Street.
A frequent traveler to Sante Fe, Jeff learned to appreciate the
need to conserve water. He has adapted many elements of the New
Mexico style in his garden, but it features primarily native and
adapted plants of Central Texas. His home is framed by a minimized
area of sun-loving zoysia grass, which requires less water and
is less disease-prone than the popular St. Augustine. With the
help of Steven Baker, the design and implementation took one year.
Varied colors and textures add
interest and character to the yard.
Jeff has incorporated plants that
attract butterflies, such as this Salvia Greggii, the birdbath
for wildlife, as well as fruit and nut- bearing trees in the back.
 
Crushed granite
pathways meander throughout the yard, allowing water to penetrate
rather than run off the property.
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Consider roses out of place
in an earth-wise garden? Choose carefully and you'll find
disease-resistant varieties that require only a little extra
water. |
The sunny front yard leads
to the cool, shaded back yard with its koi-filled pond and shade-loving
ferns. The shade allows for more "exotic" plant choices.
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