It’s always exciting to illustrate how a few uncomplicated changes can transform your home. Although we’ll still add a courtyard in front, I’ve been anxious to share this Austin project with you.
BEFORE
AFTER
1.PAINT + NEW PATHWAY
Since the original pathway was a bit narrow I really wanted to open it up to allow for more walking space. We then dressed it with Silver Mist flagstone and added a decomposed granite (DG) pathway to the left. Eventually, we’ll add another DG pathway on the right leading towards a sitting area.
We added Silver Mist flagstone to the front porch as well in order to create continuity between the two spaces.
2.PLANTS
I chose plants with a lot of structure, and once established, are reasonably drought tolerant; plants like Dwarf Yaupon Holly, Nellie Stevens, Boxwood and Agave.
Testing out the artichoke plant with planter
My client’s dog and I watching the progress
3.EXTERIOR SHUTTERS, NUMBERS + HARDWARE
Some of my favorite things to add to the exterior of a home are light fixtures, hardware and anything that will give it a bit of character. Here we added the address which will be lit at night, exterior shutters and beautiful light fixtures that will softly light the walkway to the front door.
BEFORE
BEFORE
The Agaves were my favorite, along with Purple Smoke Bush in the background — so pretty. Other plants in this area of the garden are: Westringia, Olive, White Crepe Myrtles, Rosemary, Waxleaf and deciduous flowering Magnolia.
Above, my inspiration behind this Long Beach project. I wanted to bring a bit of old world charm along with California influences to the exterior. In order to do this I brought in antique light fixtures, a water feature and wonderful easy Southern California plants like the iceberg rose and agave.
The Long Table 