Travis Country Water-Wise Front Yard Transformation

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Priorities: – Water Conservation – Elderly-Accessible Design – Stormwater Management – Native Plant Integration
Challenges: – Large Turf Area Removal – Drainage Issues – Accessibility Needs – Site Topography
Solutions: – Strategic Water Management – Accessible Pathways – Native Plant Selection – Functional Hardscaping

This residential transformation centered on two key objectives: creating a water-conscious landscape and ensuring accessibility for the elderly homeowner. The project qualified for the City of Austin’s WaterWise Landscape Rebate Program, demonstrating its alignment with local conservation initiatives.

The first major task involved removing 1,200 square feet of traditional turf, replacing it with a thoughtfully designed landscape that manages water more effectively. A carefully engineered swale system now captures and redirects water from downspouts, while strategically placed berms add visual interest and create optimal planting conditions.

house before major landscaping project

Accessibility was paramount in the design. We installed a stabilized granite pathway, providing a secure route from the seating patio to the yard’s corner. This surface offers reliable footing while maintaining the natural aesthetic of the space.

To enhance the landscape’s functionality and visual appeal, we incorporated multiple hardscape elements. Custom steel edging creates a clean transition between the remaining grass and the transformed area. Carefully placed boulders serve dual purposes – as informal seating and as artistic elements that ground the design.

maas verde workers adding soil

A dry creek bed serves as both a decorative feature and a functional drainage solution, directing water flow toward the side yard. The addition of juniper log edging around the mulched play area creates a natural boundary while complementing the overall design aesthetic.

The planting plan focused on shade-tolerant native species, selected for their ability to thrive in local conditions while requiring minimal water. These plants, combined with proper soil preparation and mulching, create a sustainable landscape that will mature beautifully while conserving water resources.

front yard with new plants and granite pathway

This transformation demonstrates how functional needs – water conservation, accessibility, and stormwater management – can be met while creating an aesthetically pleasing, sustainable landscape that serves both the homeowner and the environment.

Fall Aster

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Overview of Fall Aster

  • Also Known As: Aromatic Aster, Aromatic American Aster, Wild Blue Aster, Shale Aster
  • Height: 2′ – 3′
  • Color: Purple flowers
  • Bloom Time: Autumn
  • Soil Moisture: Dry, Moist
  • Heat Tolerant: Yes
  • Cold Tolerant: Yes

monarch butterfly landed on fall aster in bloom

Fall Aster (Aster oblongifolius), also known as Aromatic Aster, is a remarkable perennial that brings vibrant color to gardens when many other plants have finished blooming. Its rich purple flowers create a striking display in the autumn landscape, offering both visual appeal and ecological benefits.

This versatile plant is perfect for enhancing any outdoor space. It fits beautifully in the middle of flower beds, adding eye-catching shapes and vibrant colors. You can plant one on its own as a focal point or group several together to create a stunning purple display that really stands out. Not only does it look great, but it’s also tough enough to handle challenging weather and helps attract bees and butterflies to your yard.

Fall asters naturally spread by slowly colonizing through stolons, allowing for controlled growth with occasional thinning. For best results, consider pruning them back in June to maintain their shape and encourage fuller blooms in autumn. This hardy plant is particularly well-suited to Texas gardens but can thrive in many regions with similar climates, making it a versatile addition to any landscape.

Fall Aster offers many benefits, but it’s essential to consider your garden’s specific needs and conditions when selecting plants. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting, Fall Aster is an excellent choice if you want a low-maintenance, pollinator-friendly option that adds late-season color and enhances your landscape design. Typically flowering from late August through October, Fall Aster is perfect for extending the growing season and enhancing your garden’s aesthetics.

Full Sun

Fall asters thrive in full sun, which helps them grow strong and healthy. Sunlight encourages sturdy stems, thick leaves, and deep roots, making them more resilient during dry spells. It also improves air circulation, reducing the risk of diseases. While they can tolerate some shade, they perform best in direct sunlight, so plant them in a sunny spot for a stunning display.

Deer Resistant

Fall Asters are considered deer resistant largely because of their strong scent and slightly hairy leaves, which can discourage deer from feeding on them. Deer tend to avoid plants with bitter flavors or those that contain compounds that deter them. While no plant is entirely deer-proof, these traits make Fall Asters a less appealing choice for deer.

Texas Native

Fall asters are native to Texas, making them a great choice for local gardens. Because they’re adapted to the region’s climate, they require less water and care than non-native plants. Their resilience allows them to thrive in different soil types. As native plants, fall asters support local wildlife, helping to create a healthier ecosystem.