An Outdoor Oasis

Landscape design by Ellen Johnston APLD, ETJ Designs, Dallas, (469) 628-3321, [email protected]

BEFORE

If the winter doldrums have you feeling nostalgic for springtime weather, occupy your mind by getting a head start on your spring landscaping projects. This Dallas backyard redesign should provide some inspiration. Recently, the owners of this home built an addition to their Southwestern-style abode, and they wanted their somewhat neglected backyard to reflect their updated residence—with minimal maintenance required. Enter APLD Certified Designer and Texas Certified Landscape Professional Ellen Johnston. Her goal was to create an outdoor oasis for the homeowners, who like ornamental grasses and said they wanted to attract birds and butterflies. With a beautiful pergola off the back of the house featuring handsome columns imported from Mexico, Johnston had to create a landscape that would both fit in and stand out. The plan focused on creating circulation patterns with regard to the home’s many doorways. The final design features Buffalo Grass (no watering required) and three flagstone sitting areas: a sunning patio just large enough for two chaise lounges, a dining patio under mature Chinese Pistache trees near the outdoor kitchen and a remote, shaded patio at the end of a dry creek on the property (for drainage). Additionally, the new landscape features many architecturally interesting plants, including Yuccas, Rosemary, Salvias, Rudbekias and Sedums, as well as Muhly Capillaris, Echinacea and Artemisia planted near the home’s pool. Farther out in the yard, Johnston planted a series of native species to attract birds and provide seasonal interest, including Texas Sage, Twist Leaf Yucca, Salvia Greggii, Indian Hawthorn and Anthony Waterer Spiraea. Now, are you excited to get planting?