house& home | Febr uar y 2012 | house and home on l ine . com22

WEATHER EXTREMES FROM EXTENDED FREEZES TO THAT DASTARDLY DROUGHTHAVE REDEFINED LANDSCAPE STRATEGIES IN THE HOUSTON AREA

It seems Mother Nature has been trying to tell us

something. Perhaps that message is “mother

knows best.” For decades, many traditional lawns

and landscapes in this area were designed to be

watered frequently, and historically, rainfall aver-

ages have provided much of that irrigation.

A perennial garden with low stone wall and rustic gate features Angelonia and Pentas.

For decades we have consistently received enough rainfall to supporta rainbow of tropical plants and acres of St. Augustine. According to theNational Climatic Data Center, from 1970 to 2000 our average annualrainfall was almost 50 inches per year, with anywhere from 3 to 5 inchesof rain each and every month. But 2011’s rainfall was less than half ofwhat our landscapes are used to. Preliminary estimates reveal the totalannual rainfall was around just 21 inches, with at least four monthsrecording less than one inch of rain.

BEYOND THE DROUGHT

With the worst summer on record burned into our memories, it’s almostdifficult to recall the past two winters’ deep freezes. Consecutive days andnights below freezing also brought unfamiliar landscape catastrophes toour neighborhoods.

STORY BY SANDRA COOK • PHOTOS BY HOME & HABITAT

Landscape Renewal Landscape Renewal

Vincas and Angelonia add lush texture to a back porch.

23

Layered perennial plantings replace lawn with lush habitat.

house& home | Febr uar y 2012 | house and home on l ine . com24

ABOVE: River birch trees and native Virginia Sweetspire provide a natural sense ofserenity. LEFT: A shrub and perennial garden provides resilient beauty.

So what’s a garden-loving Houstonian to do? How do homeowners pre-pare their yards and choose plants that can endure these weather extremes? “The last two years have been ungodly,” says Tim Turner of WindsweptLandscape Studios. “Between the extended freezes and the brutal drought, theweather conditions have significantly changed what we can expect to survive.” “Our recent weather extremes have redefined what makes a plant Houstonhardy,” says Janet Ireland, the longtime creative force behind Home &Habitat, a landscaping company that specializes in Houston hardy landscapes.“Even after determining what plants made it through the drought and thefreezes (perhaps dying back, then returning), we still have a wide plant paletteto work with.”

Turner says he has reassessed the once-reliable list of perennials he hasrelied on for years. “Basically, we’ve been looking at what survived 2011’sexceptional drought,” says Turner. “Even some natives did not make itthrough, because of variables, such as surrounding shade, soil type and mulchcoverage. We are now using a plant palette that can take extreme heat, littlewater and hard freezes.”

25

Dwarf mondo grass defines a brick walkway, while pentas, plumbago and foxtail fern provide a lush foundation for jasmine lattice.

house& home | Febr uar y 2012 | house and home on l ine . com26

FROM PRETTY PICTURE TO BIG PICTURE

Ireland named her business Home & Habitat, because she was motivated tocreate landscapes that bring natural habitat to urban wildlife. “Our designteam focuses more on the plants than the hardscape.” She also says clients areoften looking to provide a diverse array of plants for wildlife habitat. Irelandpoints out that fruit trees, vegetables and herbs make wonderful additions to aresidential landscape. “Those are especially great for families,” says Ireland. “It’sso great for kids to learn how their food grows and the role that nature plays.”

Turner insists that designing a landscape that is appropriate to yourhome’s architecture and surrounding neighborhood is essential. “Even with ourrevised palette of plants, we can still create residential landscapes that are func-tional, aesthetic and regionally expressive down to the neighborhood,” saysTurner.

IMPORTANCE OF IRRIGATION

Installing a sprinkler system or drip irrigation system ups the potential for aresilient landscape, but watering systems must be monitored to work efficientlyand avoid waste. Ireland says making this investment greatly increases the vari-ety of plant material than can thrive in your landscape.

“If you have an existing sprinkler system and are reworking your beds,then you will need to modify the water supply to those beds, really analyzingwhat the plants need,” says Ireland.

“The drought of 2011 was a water supply reality check,” warns Turner.“We are re-thinking sprinkler systems to minimize waste and runoff.”

If your home has a roof, then your yard can benefit from a rain barrel ortwo. There are numerous attractive options and many barrels can be camou-flaged. It’s a great option to work into your landscape, considering a rain barrel

A stone patio surrounded by evergreens—lovely and low maintenance.

27

Whether it’s an Island or Retreat...

Call today and we’ll make your remodeling dreams come true... 281-242-2112www.dreammakerhouston.com • 3768 Greenbriar Drive • Stafford, Texas

Bella CustomCabinetry

Touching up a room or giving it

a whole new look, we have everything

you need to remodel your bathroom

& kitchen. It’s our job, but we never

forget it’s your home.

...we can Design and

Build it for You!

house& home | Febr uar y 2012 | house and home on l ine . com28

under a downspout can capture up to 55 gallons of water during a good rain. Barrels and barrel kits can be purchased online or at local stores. Many plant nurseries and nature centers offer workshops where you can make your rain barrel.

DIG IN

Ireland stresses that soil is the foundation that plants grow from. “When you putorganic matter, such as compost and organic fertilizer, into the soil it helps plantsretain water,” says Ireland. “Investing in the soil can give plants a big advantage. It’s important to do this before planting, but you can add compost and mulch to existing trees and beds.”

LANDSCAPER’S WISDOM

Winter is a great time to plant new beds and trees. “We are planting in fall and winter to help plants establish roots before the spring and summer heat and dry conditions set in,” says Turner. He also recommends more conservative pruning during drought conditions to avoid additional, unnecessary stress on trees and large shrubs.

Ireland and her team use their expertise to steer clients towards successful choices. “Homeowners can rely on an experienced landscaper—who offers a warranty—to determine and properly implement a thriving landscape,” says Ireland. “The Internet is good for ideas, but the Internet can be very confusing, because the information you find there is not always related to the Houston climate.”

Snapdragons provide a punch of color to this front yard garden.

A low maintenance fountain is pretty and provides water to wildlife.

29

Custom Landscaping and Full Service Lawn Care

• Custom Landscaping• Flower Bed Mulching• Lawn Service• Full Maintenance Care• Lawn Fertilizing

• NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL• FREE ESTIMATES

• Irrigation Systems• Tree Trimming• Rock Landscapes• Flagstone Pathways• Landscape Lighting

• Hedge Trimming & Sculpture

• Weed Control• Fence Installation & Repair• Re-Sod Lawns

SPRING SPECIAL

2 FREECubic Yards

of MulchAskfor detailsEnds 3/15/12 www.MLSlandscapingtx.com l mlslandscaping@yahoo.com l 713.306.0094

6265 FM 1960 WestHouston, Texas 77069281-444-9299www.lightinghouston.com

Lighting Your Way® Since 1974

WWhheetthheerr yyoouu aarree rreemmooddeelliinngg oorr jjuusstt uuppddaattiinngg aa ssiinnggllee rroooomm,, lleett tthhee AALLAA pprrooffeessssiioonnaallssaatt TThhee LLiigghhttiinngg GGaalllleerryy hheellpp yyoouu ccrreeaattee aa llooookk tthhaatt ccoommpplliimmeennttss yyoouurr ssttyyllee.. TThhee bbeesstt pprriicciinngg,, sseelleeccttiioonn,, ssttyyllee aanndd vvaalluuee ssiinnccee 11997744..

• Interior & Exterior Fixtures • Lampshades • Lamps• Mirrors, Pictures & Accessories • Crystal Chandeliers • Ceiling Fans

VViissiitt oouurr ccoonnvveenniieenntt llooccaattiioonn iinn tthhee CChhaammppiioonnss aarreeaa..

Make a Bright InvestmentHomeShowSALE!

house& home | Febr uar y 2012 | house and home on l ine . com30

PLANTS THAT CAN HANDLE A TYPICAL HOUSTON DRY SPELL TREESLive oaks Red budsRed oaksTexas Mountain LaurelSee also “Tree Care”, p. 64.

PLANTS(Australian) Bottle Brush American fringe tree – alt. to red bud or Japanese Magnolia, has inter-

esting leaves American ligustrum – does well for a small ornamental tree, but can be

short-livedAzaleas – reliable evergreen shrub, does need regular watering/irrigationBurgundy loropetalum – attractive shrurb with purple-green leaves,

blooms bright magenta fringe-like flowers spring and fallDwarf palmettoGinger – typically does well. Dies back after freeze, but recovers nicelyHolly Eagleston (e. palaca)LantanaNandina (keep pruned)Palms – dwarf sabal palm can take low teens to high heat Pendo Palm – feathery frondsSabal Texana Viburnum Sadankwa – a Japanese native, tough, durable hedge, good

background plant Virginia Sweetspire – large drought tolerant, blooming shrub that also

tolerates moist conditionsYaupon – can be formal or informal, great alternative to ligustrum or

crape myrtle

GRASSESBermuda – more native & natural, requires frequent mowing Muhly grassStipa

GROUND COVERSAngelonia – can take heat and sun, purple flower spikes give it the

nickname “Summer Snapdragon”Dwarf mondo – reliable ground cover with drip irrigation in placeLantanaPortulaca – can take heat and sunRegular mondo grass in shade Rosemary – extremely hardy through heat and cold, lavender flowersSandi-leaf fig (ficus sp.) – seen at Bayou Bend, sun to part shade, will

bounce back after freeze Tiny dwarf palmettos Sedum

Carissa holly with Rudbeckia

Drought-tolerant Aloe Vera in bloom.

31

WROUGHT IRON FURNITURE

281-446-4244 • 2803 FM 1960 E • www.ironplus.com3 miles East of Hwy 59

Excellence in Iron

house& home | Febr uar y 2012 | house and home on l ine . com32

ResourcesLANDSCAPE PROFESSIONALS

WINDSWEPT LANDSCAPE STUDIOS713.263.7771

CRENSHAW LANDSCAPES281.903.7719

HOME & HABITAT 713.647.9000

GAIL HARTZ & ASSOC. INC.713.661.4278

KABLOOM LANDSCAPING 713.256.0398

PREMIER EVERYDAY OUTDOORS713.462.2525

PLANTS AND GARDEN SUPPLIES

THE GARDEN GATE713.528.2654

FRAZIER’S ORNAMENTAL & ARCHITECTURAL CONCRETE979.921.2906

GREEN LINKS (synthetic turf lawns)713.932.9997

ARBOR GATE281.351.8851

JOSHUA'S NATIVE PLANTS713.862.7444

Mature live oak tree with native Viburnum and Virginia Sweetspire.

Tough, long-blooming blue Plumbago.

Color-shifting Mutabalis Rose

33

Now accepting Credit Cards-

� � � � Invitation � � � �Join us as we invite you into a world of new and

impressive techniques as we transform plain concreteinto an array of colorful, textured surfaces.

By using creative energy we have mastered the art of resurfacing and decorative concrete including overlays and stains.

By formulating color, texture, and character, we have come up with an elegant, affordable and durableproduct with the strength of concrete.

CONCRETE COATINGSResurface Your Concrete

� Spray Texture� Stamped Overlay� Concrete Stain� Epoxy Flooring� Mastic Joints� Masonry Effects� Custom Designs� Pool Decks� Patios� Driveways� Walkways� Garages� Entryways� Old & New Concrete

HOUSTON DIVISION

832.607.2998 Phone281.897.8576 Phone 281.955.1971 Faxwww.istexas.net

15 Years Experience

Accepted

Clearly Different • Clearly SuperiorSince 1983

New showroom displays featuring the latest trends & technology

Bay Area Kitchens(281) 338-2737 • www.BayAreaKitchens.com

17306 Hwy 3 @ Medical Center Blvd. - WebsterTo the Trade to the Public - Since 1983 • Appointments Recommended

™