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Lots of Color, Little Maintenance . . . Xeriscaping at its Best
A landscape renovation by Kathy Snyder Hubner, APLD
Let’s face it, when most people hear the word "xeriscape" they think cactus and rock, but Client Kimberly Stockseth knew better. She knew the xeriscape approach in semi-arid South Texas was practical and with proper planning could be a lush, colorful landscape while at the same time saving water and hours of maintenance in the large yard of her new home. And so, as she began to renovate the house, converting it from a generic, two- story white brick into a Spanish flavored estate home, I began to plan a xeriscape that would further serve to separate Kimberly’s property from the typical big thirsty lawns and nondescript evergreen plantings in this established neighborhood.
Kimberly’s objectives were clearly stated as follows: low maintenance, low water usage, lighting for safety and security, bird friendly, and with minimal turf.
With such discernable goals, the simplicity Kimberly wished to keep seemed obtainable. But, as designers know, often what appears simple is actually very complex. Planning the planting zones and layers that make up the massive beds to replace the lawns took time and careful thought. If the wrong plants were used and the material didn't grow in quickly the results would be disastrous. Weeds would quickly cover the space, delaying plant development and creating more maintenance than Kim could handle without a full time yard person.
The complexity of planning extended to the design of a courtyard area that was to be
done in a small space with full sun exposure. The design approach took us to the
small space between a brick wall that was situated directly in front of the house
and served to separate the house from the driveway on the right side. Initially the
overgrown foundation planting hid the brick wall. So, in order to open up the space
plants were removed, trimmed and re-shaped. In fact, so many over grown shrubs had
been "limbed up" into trees that we could actually gradually prune them back into
shrub form creating attractive layers of foliage. New walks were installed and topped
with Saltillo tile. Ironwork around the new front door provided an opportunity to plant
sun loving purple bougainvillea to frame the view and focus attention on the door. A
huge bird of paradise (Strelitzia reginae) planted outside the gate and on the opposite
side from the bougainvillea, added balance and an additional shot of complimentary color.
Staying true to a xeriscape approach, we also installed the drought tolerant cigar
plant (Cuphea ignea), 'Powis Castle' artemesia, foxtail fern (Asparagus densiflorus
Meyer) compact nandina, and antique roses. One of the most pleasant surprises of the
whole design is how the giant bird of paradise (Strelitzia reginae) planted inside
the gate can be seen rising into view from behind the courtyard wall and supplying a
view of exotic white and blue flowers.
Another important objective was hiding the long concrete driveway on the far right side of
the property and the neighbors parallel drive, which was only separated by a thin planting.
Large beds swirling around the driveway included existing live oak (Quercus virginiana)
trees, which allowed dense multiple layers of flowering shrubs, perennials, and
groundcovers to provide a natural woodland barrier. The depth of the beds also allowed
the opportunity to install natural looking flagstone paths for maintenance access and for
strolling through the garden itself. In fact, a garden bench hidden within the garden even
allows for close up views of hummingbirds feeding on nectar from the russelia. One would
scarcely imagine how close the driveway and road actually are!
To play down the long straight entry walk and balance the new widened entry porch, a wide
curbside landing was poured and topped with Saltillo tile. The typical four foot wide
grassy curb strip will be converted to less thirsty groundcover, further tying this space
into the groundcover used in the sweeping beds throughout the yard.
Lighting was installed to dramatically illuminate the live oaks, crape myrtle trees, and
giant bird of paradise (Strelitzia nicolai). Sago palms (Cycas revolute), bird of
paradise (Strelitzia reginae) and sculpted pyracantha are also lit for visual balance
making the yard as strikingly dramatic at night as it is in the day.
There is color, sans annuals year round. Imperial plumbago (Plumbago capensis), russelia, purple heart (Tradescantia), 'Santa Cruz' Pyracantha, 'Clara' Indian Hawthorn (Raphiolepis), giant liriope (Liriope gigantea), bird of paradise (Strelitzia reginae), crape myrtle (Lagerstromia indica), bougainvillea, lantana, and purple leaf honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) groundcover look lush in these February garden photos. But, as Kimberly points out, "This is really a warm weather garden and will really show full color from May through fall."
Kimberly’s yard is a resounding success visually and functionally. She has constant color
and as she says, "doesn’t do anything", as far as maintenance is concerned. The flowers
and berries attract birds and butterflies, and the deep lush planting provides habitat
for migrating birds. Her home was featured on the Texas Master Gardeners' tour at the
annual state conference this year. She has also been interviewed, and her yard featured
in local newspaper articles on xeriscaping. I like to think her garden as a true
reflection of her personality-intelligent, beautiful, and inviting.
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Kathy Snyder Hubner, APLD, holds a B.A. degree from Texas A & M University, Kingsville, TX. She has been a landscape designer for 18 years at Gill Landscape Nursery. She is a Texas Certified Nursery Professional and Certified Landscape Designer. Kathy teaches classes for Master Gardeners and Landscape short courses in design and plant selection for the Nueces County and Aransas County Extension Service. Kathy is currently Regional Meetings Chair and a Member of the Board of Directors for APLD.
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