Village West Yard of the Month

The Village West September Yard of the Month winner is 11550 Piping Rock Drive! What makes this yard special is its transformation over the past 2 years. It morphed from a better than “OK” yard, to a muddy mess that many of us thought would never be finished. Now to the winning yard you see today. The owners were particular about every aspect. From the initial design, the soils used to build the beds, and the plants chosen.  The landscape has texture and tons of color. Most of the plants will bloom 3 seasons (or longer!) and will attract pollinators almost year-round. The plants were chosen to thrive in summer heat and a number are Texas Superstar plants. Bred to survive harsh conditions with little to no extra care.

September Yard of the Month

The bed nearest the street contains a large Pineapple Guava, with a mixture of coral and apricot Drift Roses and African Daisy (annual). The Pineapple Guava (not really a guava) produces unusual but beautiful flowers in the spring, then forms edible fruit in the fall (guava-like). It is evergreen and is considered drought tolerant once established.

The largest bed along the garage wall is full of color with a large variety of mostly perennials and some annuals. There are large anchor plants on either end of the bed. On the left is a large yellow Esperanza that almost intertwines with the orange Pride of Barbados. Both of which are Texas Superstar plants. On the right is a Texas Olive. A small multi-trunked evergreen tree that produces clusters of white flowers from Spring to Fall.

Visit 11550 Piping Rock Drive

Along the back row are taller plants. Red Hibiscus, Red Sisters, Mexican Bush Sage (Texas Superstar), a red salvia, and red Grace ‘N Grit Shrub Roses. Mid-level plants include Plumbago producing blue flowers most of the year.  Texas Superstar, Sunshine Ligustrum, Flax Lily, and Gardenia. There are annuals in the front row including orange and white Zinnias. Also Vinca in shades of dark and light pink. Another Texas Superstar plant. Rosemary and Thyme are at the base of the Pride of Barbados. A subtle placement for culinary herbs! In front on the right are popcorn and peach Drift Roses.

A large weeping Bottlebrush dominates the bed on the left side of the house. It produces red bristle-looking blooms Spring and Summer. A Hibiscus with a huge pink flower is adjacent to the Bottlebrush. The owner repeats some of the plants used in the front bed. Red Sisters, Hibiscus, Plumbago, Sunshine Ligustrum, as well as the Zinnias and Vincas. Bearded Iris, Blue Daze, and Gaura, are some new additions. A final stand-out plant is the white Althea or Rose of Sharon. It blooms profusely late Spring through early fall.

Landscape Maintenance

Regarding maintenance – this landscape looks exceptional given the high summer temperatures we’ve experienced. The owners have not taken special care to keep the landscape in great condition, but have kept up their routine of watering, light fertilization & weeding (!)

Descriptions don’t do this landscape justice – you simply need to see it. Please come see this landscape, get ideas for your own yard, and congratulate the owner.