Austin Water

One of the most interesting take-home messages I learned while visiting gardens in a climate different to mine was observing how water and light affected garden design.  I was lucky to attend the 2018 Austin Garden Bloggers’ Fling and was fascinated by how water was always incorporated into each garden, through water-collection, plant choices, and mulches.

Every garden had a fountain or a pool.

Many simple pools were constructed of a farming stocktank, a simple way to cool the air and reflect the light.  The large tank at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center reflected the sky.

I really loved how this stocktank is enhanced by the radial paving and can’t wait to put in my own pool in my new garden.  Pam, you’re an inspiration!  Seeing this pond was the single most important reason I wanted to attend this fling.

The pools at the Stocker Garden were also lushly planted; I loved the wall enclosures.

Larger swimming pools were equally inviting, such as this formal one at B. Jane’s

And a father and daughter enjoying a dip in the Burrus garden:

And who could resist dipping our toes at Tait Moring’s?  Notice our collection of sun hats!

Simple plants cooled the landscape

This millstone fountain bubbled happily and the Dichondra ‘Silver Falls’ cascaded to the front walk at BJane’s Brentwood Oasis, giving the illusion of spilling water.

At Mirador, the Dichondra trailed over the steel edging, echoing her larger swimming pool.  Gravel mulches slow evaporation.

I loved the architectural forms of the rectangular pools at Mirador in the vegetable garden.  So easy to dip a watering can into.   A late spring squall filled every collection vessel and poured over every edge.

The architectural lines of this stone trough at the Burrus garden was a structural contrast to the wispy ferns.

Plants are as important as the water

Back at the Stocker Garden, this swimming pool was nestled into an ephemeral blooming meadow.

A simple birdbath captured every drop, and refreshed the wildflowers.

Dry riverbeds capture and move whatever water falls to irrigate the agaves.

Water catchment was equally important, as at the nursery at the Natural Gardener

Even the plants themselves catch the water

This agave captured a recent squall at The Natural Gardener nursery,

as well as in this simple shell dish.

A Wet Welcome

But the wettest day was our first, and our welcome to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center – the rain ponchos came out, and we were well drenched!  I’m so glad I stayed an extra day to see it a bit more dried out.