Anderson Mill
Priorities: Stormwater Management – Native Hill Country Landscape – Reduced Maintenance
Challenges: Sidewalk Pooling – Heat-Exposed Yard – Invasive Plants
Solutions: Rain Garden Swales – Limestone Masonry – Turf Removal and Native Plantings
This Northwest Austin landscape renovation addressed chronic stormwater pooling along the front sidewalk while revitalizing an aging, sun-exposed yard. The removal of a mature Arizona ash had left the landscape bare and overheated, while invasive nandina and ligustrum dominated the remaining beds. The clients envisioned a native Hill Country aesthetic—lush flowering perennials nestled among limestone outcrops—and shared images to guide the design.
The project focused on three core goals:
- Resolving the sidewalk pooling issue.
- Refreshing overgrown and unsightly areas.
- Reducing maintenance by removing turf grass.
To manage stormwater, Maas Verde excavated two rain garden swales totaling 330 square feet on either side of the front sidewalk. Front downspouts were redirected into the swales, allowing them to capture runoff from both the roof and sidewalk. Together, the rain gardens can hold approximately 1,270 gallons of water, capturing nearly 990 gallons during a one-inch rain event. This stored moisture improves soil health and supports plant establishment while preventing runoff from reaching the sidewalk.
Masonry elements played both functional and aesthetic roles throughout the project. Hill Country limestone was used to line the rain gardens, and strategically placed stepping-stone paths improve access while reinforcing the natural character of the landscape.
To further reduce maintenance, 1,905 square feet of St. Augustine turf grass were removed and replaced with mulched planting beds. The renewed landscape was planted with 640 native plants representing 29 species, creating a resilient, water-wise front yard that reflects the clients’ Hill Country vision while solving long-standing drainage issues.
