And then we built a split rail fence for the front yard to add that Texas Hill Country flair, in front of which and along the sides we planted small bushes.
I also planted more crepe myrtles, this one in our front courtyard entrance, and another next to the walkway.
Behind the crepe myrtle we laid more of the flagstone to create a courtyard.
We kept an eye out for a wrought iron bistro set chairs and table for the front courtyard, with a cement bench on the side, opposite the walkway…two different seating spots in the morning shade to enjoy a cup of coffee/tea in the morning.
Even soda, lemonade, iced tea, wine, for respite in the future shade once the trees grow while enjoying the gardens.
A lot of garden growth in the last couple of years along our flagstone path.
Peeking from the cracks of the flagstone is lemon thyme, which aromatically fills the air when we step on it.
Our trees are getting larger: crepe myrtle (far left), Mountain Laurel (far right in garden), Texas Red Oak, (far right in front of garden).
I planted miniature roses at the base of the crepe myrtle and day lilies, summer phlox, and blue plumbago.
And we laid more flagstone for a patio between the garden and the house.
The very old bench was a prize from winning Yard of the Quarter on the base several years ago.
I’m hanging on to it until we get new patio furniture.
Our new shed is finished, based on one by Norm Abrams of New Yankee Workshop and This Old House.
Next to the shed the Silverado Sage has grown prodigiously.
Pink skullcap, Texas sage, and esperanza fill the garden.
From in front of the house I pulled the bushes that the builder filled the garden with to move to under the drip line on the side of the house to prevent erosion.
In front of that I created a dry rock bed to deflect erosion from rainwater dripping from the eaves on the back of the house.
There’s lots of nature study in our garden.
