Open Days Garden Tour Austin: Mt. Bonnell Garden

After leaving the Ten Eyck-Deaver garden and a quick stop for lunch we headed up Mt. Bonnell to see the next garden.  The Mt. Bonnell Garden is a new professional installation designed by Curt Arnette of Sitio Design.  The large corner lot presented challenges and opportunities which were met with a great design and plants well suited to our climate.

The house presents a low profile from the street allowing plenty of room for gardens.  The Gulf Muhly is in full bloom, the pink plumes softening the spiky plants in this bed.

Dichondra Silver Pony foot is a plant we have seen a lot of on this tour and it works.  This is one idea I'll try in my own garden.  I currently use it in containers and can't wait to try some spots like this one below with the agaves and succulents.

Closer to the house, another arrangement of Yucca Rostrata, Agave, aloe, and either a Dyckia or hardy bromeliad in black gravel.

The same plants repeated on the garage side.



The main entrance to the house sits below the street.  I was so busy looking at plants that I didn't get a good photo of the driveway and front walk which are both rectangular slabs similar to those shown here which create permeable surfaces and limiting runoff from the street.

This rain chain was simple, rustic, and just right in the space.

To the right is a gate with a view across a lovely pool to a sculptural fountain.

Through the gate and around the side of the house is a stone deck with pool.  The pool has a raised edge which is a noteworthy switch from the endless edge pools common in new construction.  Beautiful native oak trees were left to surround the house as living sculpture.

A look back at the outdoor kitchen complete with built-in TV.



The deck overlooks a large garden space.



The large blocks create beds and terraces for gardens and lawn.

Plants along the way include aloe and more dichondra.



The garden beyond is full of native plants and flowers.



Sparkler Sedge.



The yellow flowers belong to Salvia Madrensis.

Agave ovatifolia, salvia greggii, the bright purple flowers of Phillipine Violet, and roses.

The steel steps and gravel are another recurring theme on this tour.

The garden along the fence line full of native plants and grasses.

To the right a lawn and border continuing the garden of native plants.

Stone wall and walkway to street level.

Heading up by way of these recently completed steel steps.

View of downtown Austin from the top of stairs.



Another view of the sculptural fountain from the top of the steps.



Back out front, more views of the front yard.

Yucca are the structural plants in the garden.

And this impressive grouping on the corner.

The Garden Conservancy Open Days supports the preservation of special gardens like Peckerwood Garden near Houston.  For a look back at the first four gardens on the tour start here.

There's one more garden from the tour I'll post later this week.