xerichick's Member Page

I have resided in the Texas Hill Country between Beecave and Dripping Springs since the spring of 2004. The terrain that my home is located on is sloped (about 30 degrees) with very little topsoil and many rocks. There had been several good rains that first year, and I noticed spots where water tended to run downward. While there was no serious erosion problem, I couldn't help but think that the rainfall needed to be controlled to my gardening advantage. My goal became to establish terraced areas on this half an acre of property using the available rocks to build shallow retaining walls. Some of the terraces are planting beds and others are what I think of as limestone patios. You will guess by my user name that I prefer a xeriscape garden. I don't like wasting water and learned early on that I hate moving garden hoses and setting sprinklers. I use primarily native plants as ornamentals but can't help but stray occasionally when an interesting plant crosses my plane of awareness. Like a lot of others, I am on a tight budget and have opted to move around and build up the little bit of topsoil that is here rather than having a load of dirt brought in. I am fond of saying, "My labor is the only labor that I can afford." I keep an eye out for flowering native plants that can be easily transplanted or will provide free seeds. Fellow gardeners are always great about sharing their extras, and I love reciprocating. When I do buy plants, I like going to Barton Springs Nursery in West Lake Hills, TX, or the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center's spring or fall plant sales in Austin, TX.