Stair Photo: Peter Powles

From this partially wooded lot with its grass pasture, evolved a home for our clients to spend time with their family and grand kids. Simplicity, ease and open spaces for the family and kids to play and enjoy was the goal here. This was more of a six month residence during the warmer seasons for outdoor living. A small artificial putting was installed for grandpa to teach his grandchildren the art of putting. The property had heavy deer pressure, so we had a limited planting pallet. We also needed to achieve a farm and forest management assessment for tax purposes.

BUILDER: Glennwood Custom Builders LANDSCAPE CONTRACTOR: Drost Landscaping

Jeri Koegel

Photographer: Paul Dyer

Another fun Crestview project! This young couple wanted a back yard that reflected their bohemian-eclectic style and could add additional privacy from the ever climbing construction around them. A place for “hanging out and drinking coffee or beer in the backyard.” But what was most exciting, was the air stream they had just purchased and were in the process of restoring. With the end goal of using it as a guest home for family and friends, we were challenged with creating a space that was cohesive and connected this new living space with the rest of the yard. In the front we had another quark to fix. The sidewalk from their front door to the street suddenly stopped 5 feet from the curb, making a less than inviting entry for guests. So, creating a new usable entryway with additional curb appeal was a top priority. We managed the entertainment space by using modern poured concrete pad’s as a focal. A poured concrete wall serves as a bench as well as creates a visual anchor for the patio area. To soften the hard materials, small plantings of succulents and ground cover were planted in the spaces between the pads. For a backdrop, a custom Cedar Plank wall and trellis combined to soften the vertical space and add plenty of privacy. The trellis is anchored by a Coral Vine to add interest. Cafe style lighting was strung across the area create a sense of intimacy. We also completed the fence transition, and eliminated the grass areas that were not being utilized to reduce the amount of water waste in the landscape, and replaced these areas with beneficial plantings for the wildlife. Overall, this landscape was completed with a cohesive Austin-friendly design in mind for these busy young professionals! Caleb Kerr - http://www.calebkerr.com

Photography by Luke Potter

The hillside garden responds to movement of the wind, flow of the water and warmth of the sun with an artful integration of storm water management practices. Rhythmic landforms and a grassy swale slow stormwater flow, allowing it to percolate into the ground and divert it away from the house. The meandering path and sitting area nestle in a warm pallet of colors maximizing the use of the side property and views of the San Francisco Bay. Low maintenance and drought & deer tolerant planting provide a gracious transition between the built environment and the adjoining openlands. Michele Lee Wilson Photography

Succulent wall

upcycle wood pallet, stained and planted flowers.

Upcycled pallet planter with succulents.