Gardens | My First Garage

Modern Design. Done Diy. Incuding research.

Have we lost freedom?

This last saturday, my wife and I decided to go on the Austin Outdoor Living Tour to get some more ideas to take our backyard to the next level. Not only did we get so see 9 incredible different houses and gardens, but the tour led us through some fantastic neighborhoods we didn’t even know existed here in Austin. Overall we got tons of great ideas, lots of inspiration, and even met a few designers who were more than happy to share plant ideas and tips with us for free!

Some of the houses were HUGE – with 2 acre backyards as big as a theme park. But my favorite were the smaller, cottage garden houses. The ones with an eclectic mix of plants, and patio furniture, stuff that has been collected over a lifetime, and placed throughout the yard.

As we looked around, we saw tons of different things that we could do ourselves, and incorporate into our yard. Expect to see several DIY garden projects over the summer that were inspired by this last weekend.

Of course I brought my camera. Here are some of my favorite pictures. Do you see any inspiration in these yards? I hope so!

: This strip garden is only one foot wide.

: My grandmother had two of these semi-circle plant stands. They hold a special place in my heart.

: stainless steel planter

: 2010 Austin Outdoor Living Tour

: Can you beleive these cabanas are at a private house in Austin.

: It’s the little details that matter – like this tiny carved bridfeeder hanging from a tree

: Just look at this INCREDIBLE outdoor dining room

: A covered carport, behind the wooden screen was separated from the garden by a couch and some palms.

: This horsetail plant makes a great modern hedge between two yards

: This secret garden was near the freeway, but once inside, a large fountain created an oasis

: One of my favorite houses, a very modern structure had a great infinity lap pool. The people are on a patio off the bedroom overlooking the yard.

: I’ve been seeing this trend a lot lately. A small trellis built into a fence, with old doors attached.

: Here’s the view overlooking the lap pool from the private office

: This garden had a square cement fountain built into the backyard right under a window. Perfect!

: I love the arts and crafts inspired square table, and the moorish tile floor

: Call me a voyeur, but I love to see other people’s bathrooms. If you invite me over, I will sneak away and take a photo of your bath.

: A great stone waterfall fills this swimming pool. Note the screened porch above the steps – great for keeping out the critters.

: A small succulent garden on a roof overlooking the Austin skyline

9 comments »

Piet Oudolf

Geez, these are some incredible gardens. Such use of color, and texture – not your Mom’s garden for sure. Instead, it’s a controlled wilderness, Like when my folks used to take me to Point Lobos, or the Elkhorn Slough Estuary. I can just see the grasses blowing in the wind, the critters who make these bushes their homes, and the birds flying overhead. Peaceful, right?

When I discovered him, I had to have more. I devoured the website, then searched wikipedia, and then turned to Amazon.com to get more. (I’ve just ordered all his books from, they make great gifts for gardners)