Fall 2004 - 1506 W. 9th

Donna Carter and her husband, Michael Gagarin, waited until their kids had left home to turn their Bermuda grass (and sometimes weed patch!) of a front yard into beautiful, colorful garden in the heart of Old West Austin. Working with Landscape Architect, Robert Leeper, they have a landscape style that compliments both the color and style of the house.

Liking the flexibility to travel, they designed a yard with minimal maintenance. Most of the plants are perennials and they’ve let the cheerful yellow Cosmos proliferate in the front beds.

The wide limestone pathway fans around the semi-circular front bed. It is surrounded by “highway granite”, an aggregate which is angular and holds fast to the slightly sloping lot.

The large backyard is a work in progress. The volunteer stands of Mexican Honeysuckle and Monkey Grass intermingle with Purple Fountaingrass and Jasmine.

The rear portion of the yard is not irrigated and serves as a breeding ground for Honeysuckle, Turks Cap, Shrimp Plants and Lantana.

Donna loves to cook and has a kitchen garden off the back porch for easy access.