Go behind the scenes at five fabulous landscapes that showcase very different approaches in design, but share a common goal: saving water.
Five amazing WaterSaver yards are featured in this year’s free WaterSaver Landscape Tour. Come get a rare look at landscapes that offer different approaches in design, but share a common goal of saving water.
Free bus tours of the landscapes, located in two separate Stone Oak neighborhoods, will be given from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 4. Parking is available at Canyon Ridge Elementary School, 20522 Stone Oak Parkway.
1726 Cactus Bluff
A heavily shaded front yard leads to unique development. A decomposed granite patio featuring a fire pit is the star, and a raised pond with 25 goldfish being the surprise feature near the front door with the soothing sound of trickling water welcoming visitors.
1730 Cactus Bluff
This yard went from all turf to no turf. A vast and tasteful array of perennials, shrubs and trees cover nearly all of the 3/4 acre lot. Neighbors were skeptical the first year of the no-turf landscape, but compliments followed when the plants matured and flowered. There is no irrigation system in the front yard and the back has drip irrigation used only in the summer.
1815 My Anns Hill
A sculpted and tiered streetscape. Trailing rosemary and a variety of drought tolerant and native plants planted on tiers provide a rich green front. Partially hidden from street view is a small established vineyard with several grape varieties watered by drip irrigation. The very private and gracious back yard with pool and covered outdoor kitchen has large mulched areas with drought tolerant plants and grasses.
1002 Harvest Hills
Large family oriented back yard with activity areas for all ages. Free form shaped pool with hot tub and grilling cabana nestled into the uphill slope of the site. Stone harvested from the site was used extensively to create tiered level turf areas and beds. A grassy area for pets and children to run and play and a half basketball court plus a batting cage is nestled away from the pool in a tree shaded area.
2010 My Anns Hill
Curving beds with sweeping ornamental grasses. Native and adapted plants throughout the beds and around the perimeter include salvia, lantana and numerous tree species that help reduce traffic noise as well as delineating a relaxing and graceful approach to the front entry.
Gardening Volunteers of South Texas will serve as docents at each yard.
