May 2022 Yard of the Month

Congratulations to Jim and Holli at 10116 Solta! Jim and Holli are part of a community of garden lovers and have lived in their home since 2016. The grey brick home, accentuated by midcentury modern orange chairs, displays a bevy of Texas native, low water plants which bring the home not only a beauty of landscape but a consideration of the environment.

         Many of the plants Holly has planted around her gardens are those gifted and exchanged by neighbors. The wildflower garden in front with the blooming Vitex Chaste tree was planted with seeds from a farm in Fredericksburg, Texas. Holly explains they are just coming back after the late snow we received during winter. The house is anchored by a large fig tree brimming with ripening figs. As she walked me across her front area bed, she explained all the native plants and how and from whom she received each plant. She appreciates that each plant comes back year after year. Her gardens are unique with various eye candy from lambs’ ear, verbena, lantana, sage, and various cacti.

         Moving from front to backyard she explained how they added a back wing to the house for more space, but it was important that they keep the original look of the front of the house for the preservation of the neighborhood feel. The back yard fence is lined with passion vine and honeysuckle. A bee house rests above the raised beds, and she notes all the caterpillars her plants host – then notes a pupa hanging from one of the fence boards. The raised beds allow for a harvest of various vegetables and herbs. Holly generously plucked her only cucumber and handed it over to me. To the side of the back of the house Turk’s caps, canna lilies, and a showy leopard plant sway in the breeze. Holly explains, “I like to plant on top of plants” to achieve the organic look and feel of her gardens. In the same garden, she points to a plant and proudly explains these came from bulbs she received from her mom.

         Jim and Holli have created an all organic, non-pesticide area in both their front and back yard. They love their neighborhood, and it shows through the care of their gardens. They build community in the neighborhood through the exchange of garden knowledge and plant swapping with neighbors. Be sure you drive by and see this mid-century modern home and know the care and love that they have put into the creation of their gardens. Thank you, Jim and Holli, for bringing beauty into our neighborhood through your love of preserving the originality of your home and enhancing it with beautiful gardens.