Landscape Architecture in Plano, Texas and Beyond

Landscape Survival for Stage 3 Water Restrictions

2011-10-23T17:33:00.008-05:00

Officials with the North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD) have initiated Stage 3 of the NTMWD Water Conservation and Drought Contingency and Water Emergency Response Plan, March 2008, (Plan), which goes into effect November 1. The goal of Stage 3 is a 10% reduction in water use and increased awareness in ongoing water conservation efforts. Member cities include: Allen, Frisco, Garland, McKinney, Mesquite, Plano, Richardson and Wylie.

Watering is limited to once every other week starting November 1st!

All forms of low flow irrigation including drip irrigation (except soaker hoses) are not restricted; they may be used any day of the week, any time of the day.

I have found the easiest way to convert your restricted landscape shrub sprinklers into a water conserving non-restricted drip system. It requires no digging, no cutting, no gluing, and no permanent modifications to your current shrub spray system. It is inexpensive and simple enough that most any homeowner can do it themselves.

Well, what is it? Its a Twelve Outlet Pressure Compensating drip emitter kit that replaces the conventional shrub spray. Its called the TOP-300 and the kit contains all necessary parts including the tubing and stakes. These can be purchased online, or if you wish, your licensed irrigator can provide these.

Expanded Shale for Texas Clay Soils

2010-08-29T14:52:00.006-05:00

I use expanded shale as a soil amendment for all North Texas Blackland clay soils and can attest to its ability to improve our tight, heavy soils. Expanded shale provides a permanent soil solution for aeration and drainage. Unlike compost and other organic amendments, expanded shale will not break down during the normal lifespan of your planted landscape.

Jack Sinclair of TXI Industries explains that the shale is mined and ground to 1" to l/2" range particles and then kiln fired. As it progresses through the kiln for 40 minutes at 2,000 degrees C, certain chemical processes take place in the silica content (60-70%) causing the material to expand. As the material cools, cavities are left after gases escape, leaving a porous lightweight chunk capable of absorbing water and releasing it slowly at a later time. Recommendations for using expanded shale come from Dr. Steve George of the Texas Cooperative Extension. He recommends expanded shale use in containerized pots and soil incorporation for improved water retention and proper drainage. Dr. George also remarked: "Based on a two-year research study and six years of field trials, I feel that expanded shale will open up and aerate heavy, sticky clay soils faster than any material that I have ever tested. Due to its porous nature, it provides aeration from within the shale particles and, in poorly aerated clay soils, resulted in a more extensive and healthier root system than did other treatments being tested. Even though I dearly love finished, plant-based compost, if I were limited to only one application of one soil amendment with which to open up heavy clay soils, I would take expanded shale and never look back!"

Expanded shale can be purchased by the bag or in bulk and is also blended with other organic soil conditioners for potting mixes and bedding mixes.

Happy Earth Day!

2010-04-22T08:22:00.002-05:00

Here is what I was doing on the very first Earth Day. Click on the photos to enlarge.

Wake Up your Sprinkler System

2010-03-15T11:55:00.006-05:00

Before you fire up your irrigation system for the season, have a licensed irrigator examine it for leaks and other maintenance issues.

To upgrade the performance of your system and to save water, consider some of these changes and modifications:

Convert shrub areas to high performance drip irrigation. Properly installed inline drip tubing can save water and give a higher level of water distribution uniformity.

Install a Rain and Freeze sensor. This will shut down your irrigation system during a rain or freeze event.

Upgrade to an E/T "Smart Controller". These controllers can adjust watering based on current weather conditions and save water.

Rainwater Harvesting

2009-08-29T11:34:00.004-05:00

Texas’ water supply planning process has identified that surface and groundwater supplies will not be able to meet future water demand. Water conservation and development of alternative water supplies is necessary to meet our growing demand for fresh water.

Rainwater harvesting is an innovative alternative water supply approach anyone can use. Rainwater harvesting captures, diverts, and stores rainwater for later use. Captured rainwater is often used in landscaping, because the water is free of salts and other harmful minerals and does not have to be treated. It is also useful in attracting and providing water for wildlife.

Implementing rainwater harvesting techniques directly benefits our state by reducing demand on the water supply, and reducing run-off, erosion, and contamination of surface water.

In many communities, 30 to 50 percent of the total water is used for landscape irrigation. Capturing rainwater for use in the landscape makes efficient use of a valuable resource, reducing water bills and reducing demand on water supply.

Rainwater harvesting can also help to prevent flooding and erosion, turning stormwater problems into water supply assets by slowing runoff and allowing it to soak into the ground. Reducing run-off also helps to reduce the contamination of surface water with sediments, fertilizers, and pesticides in rainfall run-off.

A Dallas Landscape Japanese Style

2008-10-04T13:06:00.003-05:00

This week Garrison Gardens completed the final touches on a contemporary Japanese garden in the Dallas Prestonwood area. The landscape relied heavily on traditional Japanese garden elements but were simple and bold to introduce a modern look that required lower maintenance.

Vertical living elements include Tanyosho Pine, Weeping Bald Cypress, Weeping Yaupon Holly, and 4 varieties of Japanese Maple. I also introduced some Basalt Columns and Slim Vase Fountains for vertical features.

An Oklahoma chop stone border with random Mossy Boulder inserts separate the lawn from the planted spaces. Within these planted spaces include shrubs like Spreading Plum Yew, Variegated Pittosporum, Japanese Spirea, Autumn Rouge Azalea, Cast Iron Plant, Gold Dust Aucuba, Japanese Cleyera, Japanese Holly Fern, and Chinese fringe Loropetalum.

Drip Irrigation was used throughout the project to create a water efficient landscape.

Willow Bend remodel in Plano, Texas

2008-09-19T10:44:00.006-05:00

Here we have a home in a Willow Bend neighborhood in Plano, Tx. The homeowner was in the process of remodeling the inside of their home and wanted to update the curb appeal.

The existing landscape was overgrown and tired. We began fresh by removing nearly all of the existing landscape elements. Because the mature Live Oaks were limiting the sunlight, some areas of the lawn were thin and bare. By incorporating the trees into the landscape beds we were able to creatively overcome this challenge.

The landscape sprinkler system was updated with Line Source Drip Irrigation that will save water, and eliminate water damage on the woodwork. Plant materials such as Spreading Plum Yew, Japanese Maple, Gold Dust Aucuba, Carissa and dwarf Yaupon Holly, Variegated Liriope, Moon Bay Nandina, and Pittosporum were selected to thrive in the mixed light conditions. A border of Oklahoma chopstone and Mossy Boulders ties everything together.

Allen, Tx Swimming Pool Landscape

2008-08-03T16:02:00.006-05:00

The owners of this Allen, Texas residence contacted Garrison Gardens to explore some landscape design ideas and develop a plan that could be completed in phases. This property featured some unique challenges being situated on a corner lot with an alley on the east side. The easement to the back of the property limited the depth of the planting beds.

One of the first needs discussed was some shade and screening along the west fence line. We designed a mixed tree line consisting of Red Oak and Crape Myrtle, with a planted bed underneath. The initial phase addressed the trees with the landscape bed designated to a later phase. The plantings around the swimming pool were also assigned to the initial installation. We selected shrubs and ornamental trees that would thrive in the intense west sun. Some of the plant material selected included Knock Out Rose, Silverado Texas Sage, Indian Hawthorn, Vitex, and Salvia.

We also worked on phase one for the front yard and that will be shown in a later post.

Plano, Texas Backyard Patio and Landscape

2008-07-02T19:59:00.007-05:00

This Plano, Texas backyard landscape and patio began with the design process by contacting Garrison Gardens earlier this year. The homeowners knew that they wanted a larger patio with a fountain, updated landscape plantings, and a healthy lawn. Sunlight and shade played an important role in this landscape plan.

Most of the remaining lawn was thin fescue or perennial ryegrass, the bermuda grass disappeared long ago. The homeowners wanted a patio that projected out into the backyard but were not sure what type of material to construct the patio. Natural flagstone, stamped or patterned concrete, broom finished concrete, and aggregate were considered, but they ultimately decided on Pavestone pavers.

The overall goal was to create more usable patio space, a pleasant. flowing, low maintenance shade garden, with a St. Augustine lawn. The landscape edging was constructed from the same material used in the patio construction which helped unify the project.

Crape Myrtles

2008-06-18T12:22:00.007-05:00

The Crape Myrtle is probably the most identifiable plant in Dallas. A native to southern Asia, it has adapted well to the North Texas landscape. But, as popular is the Crape Myrtle, most people do not know how to selectthe proper variety and maintain a Crape Myrtle for their landscape.

First of all, the mature size and growth habit need to be considered. Mature heights can range between 24 inches to 30 feet or more. So, if your intension is to maintain a height of 8'-10', please do not select a variety that can grow twice that size. Too often, you will see that scenario end up with a butchered pruning job that requires attention each spring.

The varieties that were traditionally grown in the nursery industry has changed. Faurei hybrids ( a cross between the south Asian(Lagerstroemia indica) and Japanese varieties (Lagerstroemia fauriei)) are now more widely grown. Most of these are the largest growing varieties and the nursery growers like these because many are naturally Powdery Mildew resistant and can grow very quickly, as much as 6 feet in a season. This helps them make more money and produce a product that looks better at the retail level. The problem is most yards are getting smaller and they require an ornamental tree that is smaller in scale.

Varieties such as 'Pink Velour' and 'Sioux' grow smaller and tend to be scaled to most suburban home sites better than large varieties like 'Bashams Party Pink', and 'Natchez'.

One of the best internet sites I have found relating to crape myrtle information is produced by the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station in Dallas

A McKinney Cul-de-Sac

2008-05-20T20:51:00.005-05:00

This McKinney home was purchased by a long time customer. This home's unusual lot sits in a cul-de-sac, with the left side facing into the circle. The existing landscape is overgrown and needs to go.

Garrison Gardens completed this project last fall in late September. The first three photos illustrate a section of the landscape before we started, after completion in the fall, and the same bed six months later in the spring. There is something about a winter's sleep that makes a new landscape just jump.

Of course, our premium bed preparation is key to this phenomenal growth, tilling in Canadian Peat Moss, expanded shale, and a Mycorrhizae fungal inoculate. Most of this plant material has doubled in size since its planting half a year ago.

70's Tract Home Remodel

2008-05-14T21:25:00.004-05:00

This residence is a typical mid to late 70's tract home built in north central Plano. The existing landscape consisted of a narrow bed bordered with wood landscape timbers containing some severely butchered Crape Myrtles, a few woody shrubs and some Asian Jasmine ground cover.

We designed a simple flowing design that carries across the front of the house and extends to include the fence facade.

The "Pink Velour" Crape Myrtle is a semi-dwarf variety that fits most residential landscapes with out the need for excessive pruning often referred to as 'Crape Murder'. The shrub groups were selected to provide color and texture while maintaining a low growth habit that is easily maintained.

Front Circular Drive; "To Be or Not to Be"

2008-05-13T21:40:00.003-05:00

I was contacted by this homeowner around Christmas time last year, with the idea of removing the front circular drive and redesigning the front landscape. We began with a few different design scenarios with the lead walk and landscape layouts with the associated costs.

After a couple of months the decision was made to keep the driveway, but replace the concrete with a decorative finish. The brick retaining wall was lowered and repaired.

So, the existing landscape needed attention. My idea was to remove all of the grass from behind the wall and plant the space between the house and wall. We also wanted to create a planting area in the space between the drive and the city sidewalk to soften the expanse of concrete.

Starting over

2008-05-13T19:30:00.005-05:00

The challenges associated with this project began many years ago when this house was built. Because the home was constructed with a west exposure, there was race to create some shade and block the afternoon sun from entering the house. Once the shade was created, the plants that tolerated the intense sun now suffer from a lack of sunlight.

A few elements from the builders landscape package were able to be utilized. The Nellie R. Stevens Hollies that frame the house were saved along with the Live Oaks that shade the lawn. The balance of the plant material was removed to make way for the new planting areas.

Most of the plant material used in this installation was selected for its natural form, color and texture, and ease of maintenance like Spreading Plum Yew, Bloodgood Japanese Maple, Cast Iron Plant, Moon Bay Nandina, and Clara Indian Hawthorn.

Ripping out a Builders Landscape

2008-04-24T11:28:00.003-05:00

This project began last fall when this house was in the final stages of completion. Working with the homeowner we developed a design that helped to support and embellish this corner lot. Knowing that the builder was required to install a minimum number of landscape trees and shrubs , the design indicated where the shade trees needed to be located. We utilized most of the shrubs provided by the builder in the new design.
This corner lot featured a large utility box near the driveway which needed to be screened. I incorporated a bed shape that included both the tree on the corner and the utility box. Too often I see a large square block of shrubs that covers a smaller square block that is the utility box. The idea here is to create an organic shape that softens the box without drawing attention to what we are trying to hide.

Backyard Patio makeover

2008-04-17T11:20:00.010-05:00

This landscape project began as an overgrown backyard with an aggregate concrete patio and pathways that were very dated. We discussed with the homeowner where they wanted to take the project. The original discussion focused mainly on improving the plantings and a possible makeover to the concrete.

I began with a plan that included a new layout for the patio and paths. We were able to create larger planting spaces by swing the path left to right as instead of laying it down the middle of the space. Drainage improvements was provided by C-Green and the Pavestone patio was installed by Precision Pavers in Plano.

The plant material is mostly of Asian origin. Shrubs like Gold Dust Aucuba, Cast Iron Plant, Gold Mound Spirea, Pittosporum, and Chinese Fringe Loropetalum were used. Weeping Yaupon Holly, Savannah Holly, and Red Japanese Maple were used for the vertical elements.

The homeowners were very pleased and had this to say: "We love our backyard as you did a great job! Hopefully, we can have you come back within the next couple of years to update our front yard. Every night I just want to sit out back and enjoy all of the new plants! Can't wait to see it with the new lighting you are going to do! Thank you for doing such a great job!"

Sincerely,
Pam

Front yard corner lot

2008-04-01T11:31:00.003-05:00

This Plano residence was in need of a front facelift. A few established ornamental tree forms would be saved, but everything else needed to be renovated. The homeowner had some existing Oklahoma tumbled stone that would be used to border the new bedlines.

The new bed lines helped to capture the Red Oak on the right side of the front door. Behind the tree is a slab flagstone shortcut path with a place for a bench. The color bed on the left side of the doorway was brought out to take advantage of the sun and it also provides some visual weight to the short side of the home.

A Pool in the Country

2008-02-26T19:54:00.003-06:00

One of the projects for this week included a swimming pool in rural Lucas. These properties usually are larger and more open than typical suburban lots and provide their own set of unique challenges. This homeowner wanted more privacy without having a hedge or "shrub wall". Ease of maintenance, durability and drought tolerance were also important considerations.

We utilized Pampas Grass in the corners and Wax Myrtle in the middle as vertical forms. 'Knock Out' Rose, Indian Hawthorn and Autumn Sage provide some flowering while 'Breeze' Grass and Dwarf Burford Holly provides evergreen texture.

Plano Backyard

2008-02-21T16:23:00.004-06:00

Here we have a typical 30 ft. by 40 ft. suburban Plano backyard. This homeowner need additional patio space for seating and as a children's play area. They also wanted to keep an open grass area for a multi-use space, and a perimeter planting that was attractive but easy to maintain.

The open space occupied by the grass was created by using a circular form for the planting beds. The Pavestone patio shape continues the theme using large arcs and circles.

Some of the plant selections for this project include Knock Out roses, Wax Myrtle, Anthony Waterer Spirea, Compact Nandina, Variegated Pittosporum, and Indian Hawthorn. In the shaded side area I used a Crimson Queen Japanese Maple, Gold Dust Aucuba, Cast Iron Plant, Supergreen Liriope, and some perennials like Southern Wood Fern and Hosta.

Another Zero Lot Line Home

2008-02-19T16:04:00.008-06:00

This week we have another zero lot line yard with its own unique set of challenges. There is about 5 feet that separate this home from its neighbor. This will limit light as well as the type and sizes of plant material that can be used.

In the back yard, the homeowner wanted an all weather path from the patio to the back gate, something interesting to look at from her breakfast area window, and she wanted the a/c compressor moved away from the grill. The front yard faced North, so there will be some light issues to address, and the Asian Jasmine ground cover had to go. Again, we were looking for some visual interest in the walk-up to the front door.

To enhance the front we planted some 'Autumn Rouge' Encore Azaleas, Moon Bay Nandina, Dwarf Japanese Maple, and Spreading Plum Yew. With the back yard, PaveStone was used to construct the patio and walkway and we selected a Windmill Palm in front of the breakfast area window with Spreading Plum Yew underneath. Along the path, Supergreen Liriope, Nana Nandina, and Cross Vine help to soften the neighbors wall. A Savanna Holly tree form in the back will soften the view of the alley.

Landscape Renovation

2008-02-07T14:22:00.000-06:00

This landscape renovation project began after a major deck remodel. The construction process severely damaged the existing landscape and irrigation system, and without water, last years drought finished what was left. We set out to keep the groundcover and original bed shape. The beds were extended on the east side, but the remaining landscape beds were left in their original form.

The idea was to keep the existing Asian Jasmine and plant widely spaced shrub groups along the deck. The central bed was larger and more open, so we created patterned shrub groups to fill the space. Once spring arrives, the thin patches in the ground cover will fill in.

We selected low maintenance shrubs for partial sun like Variegated Pittosporum, Holly Fern, Japanese Cleyera, Dwarf Yaupon Holly and Red Japanese Maple.

The wind was blowing, but we are still working!

2008-01-30T16:00:00.000-06:00

Yesterday began as a mild 66 degree morning, but quickly turned into a blustery day. North winds reached gust over 50 miles per hour, but the crew kept on working. The schedule is quickly filling up and we need to stay on schedule.

This customer was so happy with the side yard we completed earlier in the month, they wanted their front yard revamped. They also were able to take advantage of a special January Coupon on both projects that saved the homeowner a total of $1000.00.

A Zero Lot Line

2008-01-23T15:15:00.000-06:00

A zero lot line yard has its own set of challenges. Proper drainage is the first thing to consider, because we do not want to push storm water into the customers or neighbors home.

The next item to consider is how a person is to move through the space. A path of some sort needs to be devised. Creating a path that moves right to left or left to right creates deeper individual planting spaces and gives the illusion of a wider and shorter space. The existing trees in this yard were fortunately in a position that allowed some movement of the path.

The remaining spaces are then planted with triangulated groups of dwarf, slow growing shrubs suitable for the growing conditions. Contrasting color and texture is key to the plant selection. I try to keep things simple and not shoehorn shrubs in these small areas, only to have them outgrow the space in a short period of time.

We installed this project this week even though it was a little cool. The greater number of day before summer the better. Generally, the winter poses very few threats to a newly planted landscape, but a landscape is always at risk in the summer if there is a lack of water. So, if you are ready for your landscape project there is no sense in waiting for spring!

The White Garden

2008-01-17T15:34:00.000-06:00

This "White" themed garden was one of our landscape projects this week. The construction of this landscape was completed over a year ago, but the owner was unsure about the plant material that was to be installed. The homeowner wanted a white themed garden, and we were able to identify several items that would provide white flowering during Spring, Summer and Fall. Also, because this garden is on rural property, the plant material needed to be drought tolerant and durable.

The roses we selected are an antique China variety named "Ducher". It is an own root 'Earth Kind' rose that will grow to about 3 ft. in height. The ornamental trees are Texas Whitebuds which are a white flowering variant of the Oklahoma redbud. Other shrubs used in the design are Wintergreen Boxwood, 'Desperado' Texas sage, and Sherwood Abelia. In about 6 to 8 weeks we will install the white flowering perennial border.

Direct from the grower

2008-01-15T21:00:00.000-06:00

Garrison Gardens receives most of its plants direct from the grower. We source flowers, shrubs, and trees from the highest quality farms. A number of these growers are somewhat local in the North Texas area, but we also buy from nurseries in California, Oregon, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, and Michigan. We take pride in our plants and search for the best value available. Deliveries come weekly and sometimes daily during our busiest times of the year. This is a load of trees that arrived today and will be installed tomorrow.

Landscape lighting

2008-01-14T10:35:00.001-06:00

Landscape lighting can add a new dimension to your landscape. Using the contrast between light and dark adds depth and interest to your garden. With short days and long nights, the illuminated nighttime landscape becomes more noticeable.

Here is a lighting project Garrison Gardens installed this weekend. The plant installation and stonework was completed earlier during the holiday season. This area is a sideyard that is visible through a large window from the breakfast table. The homeowner wanted to include the sideyard as an extension of their breakfast area.

A proper low voltage landscape lighting installation requires a knowledge of the products, lighting effects, and attention to detail to ensure long bulb life and trouble free operation. We use fixtures and transformers manufactured by Kichler and Hadco.

Finishing a January small garden

2008-01-13T20:10:00.000-06:00

We begin the landscape process with a consultation, then create a plan using our design experience teamed with specific wants and needs expressed to us by the client.

On bottom is the design we created on paper and above that is a couple of photos to show the completed project. I will post some photos in about 8 to 10 weeks to show how this garden changes in just a short period of time. Some of the plant material like the perennials, roses and spirea are dormant now and will just explode in Spring.

January small garden

2008-01-10T15:34:00.001-06:00

Here is a small early January project. This customer wanted a garden outside their breakfast area for their elderly mother to look at while reading during the day.

I came up with a simple, low maintenance, colorful garden design with a flagstone path that connects the gate from the front yard to the garage. Here you can see the original condition of the area and then the placement of the plant material after the soil preparation but before installation. Irrigation and drainage modifications will be completed prior to the installation of the plant material. I'll have a photo of the completed project on my next post.