The Texas style house with limestone and a standing seam metal roof could be out on a ranch in the country.
Except it's not out on a ranch, it's in a very upscale suburban Dallas neighborhood and the white wall back there is the neighbor's house. The most amazing thing is they have a huge wildflower meadow. I wonder if they have to fight their HOA? Plano is well known for its restrictive planning and landscaping standards.
Native gaillardia, Indian Blankets and Mexican Hat flowers. I saw a few faded Bluebonnets in there too.
Even the swath of freely blooming Spanish Lavender is very different in this carefully trimmed and landscaped neighborhood.
Bronze horses graze on the lawn
A sculpture of an Indian in full headdress near the front entry court.
These eagles flank a driveway.
They do have lawn which is kept more natural looking than is typical for the area.
A daring display of spiny native prickly pear along the street near the front gate.
What do the neighbors think? This house is across the street. They have a nice row of begonias for a pop of color. Did I mention this is a very ritzy neighborhood?
Wildflowers make a walk here more interesting. Another nice thing about walking around the neighborhood are the trees forming allees along the sidewalks. This view looks toward the beginning of the meadow.
Here's the fence corner at the end of the allee.
One more long view toward the house across the meadow.
We'll follow the gumdrop and lollipop yaupons along the lane back to the house.
In such a neighborhood the wildflower meadow certainly stands out, but in a good way. It's nice to see there's more than one prairie garden in Plano.
Pretty brave to be a nonconformist in a neighborhood like that! The wildflower meadow must be a breath of fresh air!
ReplyDeleteIt is a very nice break along the way and breathtaking as well.
DeleteWhat a fun discovery. Need a Faceboook Like button on their front gate . . .
ReplyDeletePosting about it is the next best thing.
DeleteCurious. But as you say, refreshing. The allees and the meadow are very pleasant.
ReplyDeleteCurious is exactly what I thought the first time we drove past it. The trees are especially nice since it gets very, very hot there.
DeleteThat IS nice to see. Who knew? Maybe Dallas and its bedroom communities are loosening up.
ReplyDeleteThere is a definite increase in water-wise gardening. Some communities nearly ran out of water last year so that really put the issue on the front pages. The new law requiring HOAs to allow xeric landscaping should help.
DeleteNow that was unexpected. Is this the garden you told me about last year? I was expecting a few native plants not a full blown meadow. I wonder if this property predates the neighborhood. Do you recall the street? I would like to drive by sometime unless the entire neighborhood is gated to keep out the riffraff.
ReplyDeleteYes this is the one I told you about. Probably the only other one in Plano. The house was built at the same time as the others in the development. It's not gated and you can see most of the meadow from the street. I'll send you the info.
DeleteVery pretty - maybe the gumdrop people don't complain because the meadow and plantings work so well with the house? LOVE IT!
ReplyDeleteIt's possible that the larger lot helps keep complaints down. It is behind a fence although still very visible from the street.
DeleteHOA's losing some of their clout? City ordinances around here have been changing with the times too...nice to see.
ReplyDeleteTwo new state laws are helping a lot. Enforcement might be a problem but it is on the books now.
DeleteI love seeing the 'burbs showing more natural and native plantings...its very refreshing!
ReplyDeleteVery much so in this particular suburb.
DeleteDespite the garden's natural look, it appears very well tended. Perhaps the attention its given keeps the neighbors at bay.
ReplyDeleteIt is and that is probably a good bit of help with the neighbors.
DeleteThis is nice, and I cannot see anyone objecting since it is placed effectively, and in a maintained yard. My mind is already churning on how I would expand on that meadow...
ReplyDeleteObserving the nearby prairie preserve, there are some native thistles and mealy cup sage that might be nice to see for added texture.
DeleteThat kind of wildflower meadow garden is getting popular in Japan. Love that fence!! Yellow stones used as a fence and a wall at the gate attract me:)
ReplyDeleteBy the way, if you have a chance to come to Japan again, I'll let you know how to get to the secret Soba restaurant. Or I'll take you there;-)
It's hard to imagine a wildflower meadow in Japan among all the carefully planted and trimmed gardens. That might be the point though.
DeleteThe limestone blocks are local to Texas and are quite common here. That's so sweet to think you would go so far to help us navigate your country.
I am wondering if all is well because it is behind a fence? Suppose the neighbors grumble when all the wildflowers go to seed, unless they mow before it gets shaggy? Maybe someone famous (infamous?) lives there and the neighbors don't dare talk? hee hee
ReplyDeleteIt is beautifully done.
The fence helps I think and I have also considered the possibility that no one want to complain.
DeleteMichael of Plano Prairie Garden has the info and will check this out at various intervals to see what happens. Perhaps he'll post it for us.
http://planobluestem.blogspot.com/
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ReplyDeleteThat is amazing, Shirley...a serious breath of fresh air in an other wise rigidly uptight area. I can imagine there are probably a few of the neighbors who don't like it...but I think it's wonderful...thanks for sharing!
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