Zilker

With rapid development continuing to take effect in Austin, it's not often we get to work with a gem like this four-unit complex built in the 1930's. That's back when the Mueller Airport just opened their doors, Austin mainly composed of downtown, East Austin, and the UT campus, and Hyde Park was considered the suburbs.

For our client it was important to create a garden that included areas for gathering and entertaining in a style that harmonized with the existing architecture. He not only wanted to create a cohesive scheme for the entire complex, but create a space for him and his residents to enjoy, as he also lived on the property.

The design took on a Mediterranean feel with xeric plantings like rosemary and olive, decomposed granite, and numerous terra cotta pots. A new outdoor kitchen with deck and storage solutions, as well as a water feature that tied in with the existing rock work, helped create that tuscan-feel with added style and warmth. We finished it off with a compact zoysia lawn, so passersby can sit and relax under a lacebark elm.

This yard was transformed from a bland builder basic to a fun and lush xeriscaped entry way. To make the yard feel bigger, we removed the driveway and used gravel from end to end, creating an open, borderless planting and patio space across the entire front yard. For extra security and privacy, a fence was added along the front, which features an automatic gate for easy use as they come and go. With the limestone facade being one of the customers least favorite features of the house, we planted fig ivy vines to grow and cover it.