Rain Garden Fix for Drainage, Access and Inviting Backyard

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Frontyard

Priorities: Resolve Unwanted Pooling – Increase Room For Foot Traffic
Challenges: Manage Stormwater Ecologically
Solutions: Regrade Stone Work – Install Rain Garden

This residential project constitutes a great example of an ecological solution to a common problem. 

The homeowner was struggling with misgraded drainage. In any rain event, water would backflow onto the driveway and pool in foot trafficked areas. The adjacent lawn formed a moderate berm, offering no drainage.

The client needed the drainage problem solved, and wanted more room for walking on the driveway sidewalk and front patio — especially for their aging parents.

Maas Verde first removed the concrete sidewalk and regraded the area toward a focal point in the middle of the yard. We then laid a new, wider sidewalk and extended the patio with masonry using sawed limestone slabs. 

Finally, we removed the grass berm and replaced it with a rain garden planted with native grasses and other species. In concept, the plantings capture natural runoff from the stonework, and soil berms help maintain the structure. 

a rain garden, patio, and lawn chairs

By the Numbers

200 sq. ft.: rain garden swale area.

650 sq. ft.: St. Augustine turfgrass removed.

990 gallons: approximate rain garden capacity.

540 gallons: rain captured from impervious surfaces in 1” rain event.

317: new native plants installed.

12: native plant species used.

18-Month Update!

This rain garden is now a full-fledged native habitat. Using only rainwater and Stage 2 restrictive irrigation (one day per week), this homeowner has fostered a sanctuary for hummingbirds, bumble bees, and even a curious fox (caught on Nest Cam)!

a collage showing a thriving rain garden

Backyard

Priorities: Beautify the backyard and add a living space.
Design: Alternative to a high maintenance lawn area.
Features: Cream limestone slabs, stacked pancake boulders, Desert Willow, wildflower meadow, and succulent garden.

The client wanted to have an inviting, low maintenance landscape suitable for gatherings with a walking path throughout various gardens.

Maas Verde removed Saint Augustine turfgrass and replaced it with a gravel path and several garden sanctuaries.

Cut limestone was added to cover and extend an existing concrete porch to create an outdoor grill and living area.

2,700 sq. ft: Saint Augustine turfgrass removed.

2″ Thick cut limestone added to extend porch.

26: native species planted.

Hill Country Conservancy Violet Crown Trail Butterfly Garden

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Project Description

The Violet Crown Trail is a first-of-its-kind project in Central Texas. A trail system that will eventually link Zilker Park with Hays County, planning began in 2006. Called “the first regional trail system” in the region, it now covers 13 miles from Zilker Park to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

Maas Verde worked as a subcontractor to reclaim an area used for construction staging during trail installation. Scope included rehabilitating the disturbed area by decompacting and amending the soil, planting a native seed mix, and setting up a temporary irrigation system to encourage seed establishment.

We also designed and installed a butterfly garden, using native plants and boulders. The temporary irrigation helped the plantings receive the water they required to become established. This was fed by a 600-gallon water drum, which required complex calculations to construct above-ground.

Project Details

Skills Needed:

HardscapingIrrigationLandscape DesignLandscape InstallationNative Ecology ExpertiseTrail Design

Brentwood Austin Residential Landscape Design

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Project Description

Maas Verde Landscape Restoration was hired to create a custom landscape design and irrigation system for this Brentwood, Austin-area home. The team designed plans and dimensions, creating a screen for the A/C unit, and planted a fruit tree garden. The irrigation system was designed to support the pre-existing landscaping as well as the new additions. During the construction of the irrigation system, it was discovered that the City of Austin had a significant clog in the water connection causing very low water availability. The Maas Verde team was persistent in addressing this issue with the City and it was ultimately resolved due to our team’s perseverance. After installation of the irrigation was complete, the team installed a pergola 10′ high with 6″x6″ posts to round out the aesthetics and functionality of the new landscape design.

Project Details

Skills Needed:

IrrigationLandscape DesignLandscape InstallationNative Ecology ExpertisePatio & Accessory Construction

Barton Hills Residential Landscape Design

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Project Description

Maas Verde Landscape Restoration worked very closely with this residential client in the Barton Hills neighborhood of Austin, TX to create a custom landscape design. Our landscape design team worked dynamically and designed onsite to ensure that the installation was unique and incorporated the site’s existing natural elements.

We used masonry to construct gravel walkways with artistic limestone rock work as borders with native plantings. The walkways were treated as outlets for stormwater, so accurate grading was a key component of the design. This project is a fantastic example of how well the design process can work when trust exists between the client and landscape designer.

Project Details

Skills Needed:

HardscapingLandscape DesignLandscape InstallationNative Ecology Expertise

Prescribed Burn for Land Management

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Project Description

A controlled or prescribed burn, also known as hazard reduction burning, backfire, swailing, or a burn-off, is a fire set intentionally for purposes of forest management, farming, prairie restoration, or greenhouse gas abatement. Maas Verde Landscape Restoration was hired to safely execute a prescribed burn on a property in Central Texas to reduce dead biomass build-up, decrease non-native plant competition, increase the potential for other native species to take hold, increase soil temperature by allowing sunlight to hit the ground instead of dead thatch, and control Ashe juniper (Juniperus ashei) encroachment.

Because safely executing a controlled burn relies on varied factors like the weather and humidity, it can be a challenge to schedule a burn. The conditions have to be within a certain range in order for a burn to be executed safely and confidently. During the event, clear and consistent communication of safety procedures is critical for a successful outcome.

The Maas Verde team held a safety and procedure meeting before splitting up into groups and using radios to stay in constant communication across the fields. Two ATVs carrying water tanks and sprayers were employed, and drip torches were used to ignite burn lines. One crew was dedicated solely to ensuring the fire did not jump the mowed lines. This client is a repeat client on a cadence of every 24 months for sustainable land management.

Project Details

Skills Needed:

Controlled Burn
Sustainability Education

San Gabriel Unitarian Universalist Fellowship

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Project Description:

Founded in 2007 San Gabriel UU Fellowship is comprised of people of many beliefs and backgrounds. Located near the heart of historic Old Town across the street from Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas, their building is both traditional and contemporary, and it reflects their commitment to the inclusion of people of all ages, abilities, and mobility.

Maas Verde Landscape Restoration was engaged to construct a concrete sidewalk, French drain system, and a large deck. The deck and sidewalk had to meet perfectly, so the Maas Verde team ensured that the grading and elevation were perfect. The construction area was prone to flooding during heavy rain, requiring a creative approach to ensure the project’s success.

The amount of water coming down from two different off-site parking lots from other churches was a significant issue. In order to accommodate rainfall during construction, the team manufactured a custom concrete drain box that was capable of taking on a significant amount of water. The French drain was designed and installed with a high capacity for stormwater, and the Maas Verde team constructed two rain gardens downstream of the deck to slow the water down at various points.This innovative addition allows for water to seep into the ground and lessens the load on the drainage system. By mitigating impervious cover and creating natural catchment areas for the rainfall, the team able to design with nature in mind and provide an effective sidewalk and landscape solution. The sidewalk met ADA compliance and a ramp was constructed to provide ease of access for everyone. This custom French drain box (24″^3) was fabricated off-site.

Project Details

Skills Needed:

Hardscaping
Irrigation
Landscape Design
Landscape Installation
Native Ecology Expertise
Patio & Accessory Construction


 

Pease Park Retaining Wall

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Project Description:

The goal of the Pease Park Conservancy is for Pease Park to be known as an accessible urban green space for play, adventure, and connectivity, where land stewardship, environmental innovation, and inclusive programming embrace the community’s history and inspire its future. Maas Verde Landscape Restoration was engaged to construct a retaining wall adjacent to North Lamar in furtherance of that vision.

Safety is always a priority at Maas Verde, but because this construction took place in a public park with public access, it became a highlight of the project for both workers and parkgoers. Using anchored cinderblocks as the structural base, our team constructed a secure retaining wall reinforced by rebar and finished with natural limestone. We worked with stakeholders in the Pease Park Conservancy (a 501(c)3 non-profit) and the City of Austin to ensure that the project exceeded expectations.

Project Details

Skills Needed:

HardscapingLandscape DesignLandscape InstallationTrail Design