When we walk and drive the streets of our small towns, or even outlying areas, many of us notice when our neighbors have made an effort to share their gardens with us. It might be as simple as a vine on the mailbox, an arbor over the entrance to the front walk or unobstructed views into the garden itself.
I am working with a couple, new to the area, who live in the burned area off SH 71 near McAllister Road, east of Bastrop. Fortunately their home and all but the back 30 feet of their nearly one-acre lot was spared from the fire, but much of the landscape has suffered greatly in the recent drought. I am working with them to restore the Post Oak Savannah landscape to its former glory (and more), and with an eye on creating a garden both they and their neighbors can enjoy.
They do not have sidewalks in their locale, but we have made an attempt to dress up the area along the road as an “offering to the street.” There will be three Parsley Hawthorne (Crataegus marshalii) trees, native to the Post Oak Savannah (which do well in an under-story setting) scattered along the driveway at the road to driveway entrance. In spring, their white apple-blossom like flowers will show against the existing Post Oaks and Yaupon and their small parsley-like leaves will turn red/orange/yellow in fall.
Across the rest of the front 180 feet, we will add a mix of American Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) shrubs and Turk’s Cap (Malvaviscus arboreus drummondii) under the existing trees for blooms from spring to fall and brightly colored berries in autumn. At the other end of the front property line, we’ve place a double wide parking pad of gravel edged with limestone blocks. Surrounding the pad will be planted Red Yucca (Hesperaloe parviflora) and Mexican Feathergrass (Nassella tenuissima) and it will continue to adorn (at intervals) the flagstone in sand pathway that climbs to the front door. We are also adding a couple of Sour Gum or Tupelo trees (Nyssa sylvatica) to provide shade and autumn color over the parking area. These are native to the Post Oak Savannah, but need a little supplemental water here in the heat of summer.
The next feature that will provide a connection with the homeowners and the passing road is a roughly circular small patio at the connection of this (distant parking pad) pathway and the pathway from the driveway to the front door. It won’t be large; only big enough to fit a small round table and a few chairs, but allow the clients to see (and be seen) by those passing by. Many old Texas farmhouses had large front porches, but they are seldom seen in more modern stone abodes such as this one. This was our solution to the problem.
In a small town or city setting, providing shade trees over the sidewalk is a neighborly thing to offer those walking by. It also creates a more favorable climate for any plantings in the parking strip, which can often be insufferably hot and dry otherwise. Another option that will allow for plantings that can show to the street is to set the fence and gate back a few feet from the property line or sidewalk. Here the fence may be lower, perhaps only 2-feet high, allowing views to more extensive plantings close to the house. In my 1910 California bungalow in Menlo Park, I planted some low/cascading shrub roses in front of a low white picket fence as an offering to the street.
Creating a wide walkway, and planting the sides with a variety of low shrubs or perennials, will lead visitors (both visually and transitionally) to the front door. Providing landscape lighting (soft and somewhat hidden … not the airport landing pad variety) will welcome visitors at night. Fixtures should be placed evenly so that there are no light/dark areas and both young and elderly will find a safe path to the doorway.
Finally, planting the foundation and area to the sides of the entrance will draw the eye to your door and perhaps provide a fragrant experience for those passing by. Shrubs such as Myrtle (Myrtus spp.), Roses, White Mistflower (Agaratina havenense), Honeysuckle bush or vine (Lonicera spp.), Cherry Sage (Salvia greggii cvs.) or perennials such as culinary herbs can provide fragrance in flower or foliage on the way to the front or side door. With a little thought in terms of landscape design, the exterior of your home can be a pleasure to both you and your neighbors.
Please address any questions or suggestions you might have for me by visiting my website www.thefragrantgarden.com and clicking on the “CONTACT” tab.”
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