“Enjoyment of the landscape is a thrill.” - David Hockney
November 2024 Yard of the Month
10740 Rose Creek Court “Park-Like”
Homeowners Sue and John Benson built their home in the Rose Creek Gardens section of our neighborhood in 1997. The home was designed by Gray Delk in close consultation with the homeowners who guided every aspect of the design process.
When it came to landscaping the homeowners were just as hands on and engaged. They wanted to create a park-like landscape that invited guests to walk around the property and enjoy the grounds from various positions and one that took advantage of the commanding views overlooking Dixon Branch.With over fifty mature trees on site they had to design a landscape that could tolerate both sun and shade. They created a series of pathways with Texas Flagstone and Dwarf Mondo Grass bordered by banks of Asian Jasmine, Holly Fern, and Japanese Aralia.
As you travel along the winding paths sunlight filters through the canopy of tree foliage creating patterns of light and shadow and at each turn the viewer is greeted by original sculptures that punctuate the landscape. Another path leads to a wooden deck that cantilevers over Dixon Branch and offers spectacular views of limestone walls and a mix of 100 year old Pecan Trees, Cedar Elms, American Elms, and Live Oaks. Yet another path leads to a koi pond with a traditional Japanese footbridge that is surrounded by a mixture of Fern, Mondo Grass, Pink Periwinkles, and Mexican Petunia. The soothing sound of moving water from a fountain in the center of the pond calls on visitors to pause and rest on a stone bench that awaits nearby. Yellow Ogon Koi swim slowly in the pond that lies between the home and the creek. An added surprise to this property is a green house with numerous species of orchids including Phalaenopsis which the homeowner has a passion for and has cultivated for over two decades.
Years of planning, care, and attention to detail have yielded the park-like landscape that they worked for and a calming atmosphere that stands the test of time…. and one deserving of Yard of the Month.
October 2024 Yard of the Month
10742 Lanett Circle - “Native Texas”
\When homeowners Kevin McClendon and John Harrington purchased their home in 2018 they knew they were embarking on a journey to preserve a home that had been in Kevin’s family for three generations. Their home on Lanett Circle, in the historic Mediterranean Gardens section of our neighborhood, was commissioned by Kevin’s grandparents, Mr. and Mrs, H.R. McCandless Jr. in 1955 and was designed by the firm of Richardson + Bennett
After completing a multi year renovation and addition that respects the original 1955 design and seamlessly blends old with new, it was time to create a landscape that would compliment their home and enhance the natural setting where it is positioned along Dixon Branch. To help them accomplish this Kevin and John sought the advice of landscape designer John Lendvay, who worked with them to create an environment that includes a wide variety of native Texas species and encourages pollinators.
Starting out with a lush St Augustine lawn and ancient Red Oaks, Lendvay had a wonderful front yard canvass to build upon. To this he skillfully added a variety of Texas native plants including Lantana, Desert Willow, Texas Sage, Salvias, Texas Mountain Laurel Flame Aniscanthus, Spinless Prickly Pear, Anacho Orchid Tree, Mahonia, Wood Fern, Autumn Fern, Japanese Acubas, Giant Liriope, Carex Everillio, Limelight Hydrangea, Impatients, Foxtail Fern, Varigated Fig Ivy, and Coral Berry. Lendvay says, “All of these plants are drought tolerant, provide habitat for hummingbirds, butterflies, bees and other wildlife, and help us maintain biological diversity. The colorful blooms transform the garden throughout the year and the garden is buzzing with life .”
Kevin and John’s choice to create a landscape that includes Texas native plants is not only beautiful but also guarantees that the plant and pollinator population will reproduce and the cycle of life will continue, this is something to admire and a yard that we can all benefit from.
September 2024 Yard of the Month
8812 Rolling Rock Ln - “Palm Springs Inspired”
Homeowners Katie and Billy Withrow looked to Palm Springs as a source inspiration when they began to think about the landscape at their home on Rolling Rock Ln that was custom built by Harry Marlow for Gertrude and Lou Halperin in 1957.
When Katie and Billy purchased their home in the historic Lakeland Hills section of Highland Meadows in 2015 they were greeted by a wooden fence that was falling-art and a lawn that was equal parts grass, weeds, and patches of dirt.
They knew they wanted to make big changes that added to the architecture of the home and sought inspiration by traveling to Palm Springs. While visiting the architecturally significant homes of Palm Springs they observed innovative ways of using basic concrete block that they incorporated into their landscape design.
On their inspiration mission to Palm Springs they also determined that they wanted to incorporate plants that added color but also ones that could survive the extreme weather of North Texas. With this in mind they chose Desert Bird of Paradise, Desert Willow, Vitex, and Artichoke Agave to add to their front lawn.
A massive 67 year old Red Oak, that was planted the front yard when the home was built in 1957, provides shade for most of the day except when the western summer sun is at its most intense. There was also the steep slope of the front yard to consider and they knew that turf wasn’t the answer, so they decided to create a feature of Carex Everest Sedge and planted it in a grid pattern.
In the backyard Katie and Billy wanted flowering perennials that were drought resistant but also safe for their dogs. After careful research they landed on a variety of sages including Russian Sage, Texas Sage, Autumn Sage, and Purple Sage. They have included Blue Mistflower and Pink Muhly Grass for added texture and color.
Katie and Billy’s mindful approach and determination to create an environment that would add to the value and beauty of their home has yielded a landscape that we can all take inspiration and joy from.
August 2024 Yard of the Month
11030 Cactus Ln - “An Oasis of Cool”
Homeowners Kevin Shepherd and Travis Williams have created an “Oasis of Cool” at their 1957 home on Cactus Ln that was built by A.B. Swank and Associates and designed by celebrated architect J. Todd Stewart.
When Kevin and Travis purchased their home in the historic Lakeland Hills section of Highland Meadows in 2013 they set out to create a landscape that would embrace all of the energy and color associated with mid-century modern and atomic modern.
In the front yard, the meticulously maintained St Augustine lawn, towering pecan trees, Japanese maples, majestic palms, and sculptural desert willows with pink and purple blooms are the perfect compliment to the clean lines of their home. A breeze block courtyard adds dimension and privacy, and a soaring orange sculpture by artist Andrew Alexander adds a vibrant burst of color.
The backyard landscape transports you to a tropical paradise where a swimming pool of turquoise waters and daring orange mosaic tile awaits. Fuchsia bougainvillea surrounds this utopia and palm trees tower over a colorful mid-century inspired mural by Ft Worth artist Christopher Joseph Gonzalez. Skillfully designed landscape lighting adds drama to this property in the evening.
Kevin’s and Travis’ creativity, hard work and dedication to good design have delivered a landscape that can inspire us all!
