Lifelong Green

Mid summer is when Houston begins its tropical storm season. While the blackened skies and the sound of afternoon rain make an excellent backdrop for an afternoon nap to many people, to me, the afternoon thunderstorms conjure up images of flooded yards and drainage problems.

Pools of water in a yard are certainly unsightly, but proper drainage is of greater importance than just appearances. A landscape that drains poorly can create many problems, ranging from plant disease, soil erosion and even structural damage to a foundation.

Solutions range from simple to complex.

Soil improvement and leveling may be a first step. Lawns and beds can become compacted over the years, and aeration is oftentimes excellent for easing slight drainage problems. Mulch needs to be attended on an annual basis.

Beyond that, subsurface drainage with underground collection pipes, catch basins and channel drains are used to direct water to the street.

Sometimes problem areas can be dug out and filled with crushed rock, allowing water to seep into the ground, all the while providing a landscaping accent.

Drainage is as important an issue as irrigation. Installation of a system requires significant planning and knowledge. Some municipalities in Houston even stipulate that a drainage system be designed by a licensed engineer or landscape architect.

Next time we have a significant rainfall, observe your property carefully. You might even want to take some photos. We can talk. And next year at this time, when everyone else is dreading a backyard that’s flooded, you’ll be getting ready to enjoy a nap during the thunderstorm.

See you in the garden,
Mark McKinnon

Design Portfolio

I love this garden for any number of reasons. It’s alluring and peaceful, for one. But also because it is small, but mighty. At once, it is comfortable, attractive, playful and functional. There is water and texture. Music, lighting. And, of course, it has the infrastructure to keep the garden healthy and thriving throughout any season.

The clients, a couple who had moved from the suburbs to this smaller, inner-city property, challenged us to design a garden that made maximum use of the small space.

After careful consideration, every square foot of the outdoor space is considered as a design element. Out every window there is a vignette to tease the eye. We created the illusion of depth and scale, keeping the eye busy and taking creative advantage of longer views when possible.

Take a minute to see for yourself the potential for beauty and serenity, even in the smallest space.