In September, we are recognizing the home of Cathy and Rich O’Sullivan at 6415 Steer Trail. Cathy and Rich have been part of our neighborhood for a little over 2 years. Since moving in they have done extensive work on both the house and the yard.  Rich describes both as a “work in progress” – he still has plans to add cedar fencing on both sides of the house to match the cedar columns added to the front, add stone edging and continue to add native plants to the yard.  Cathy describes their efforts as a continuous experiment to discover that will grow in the Texas sun.  They are off to an amazing start!

One of the factors that drew them to the house was the old, magnificent live oak tree in the back –  it towers over the house and yard!  With the goal of attracting owls, Rich built a house that attracted an owl family last year.  As you can tell from the picture, it has a new resident who seems to be making himself very much at home.

Since moving in they have created defined beds and added planters bordering the front and side.   Rich built the metal planter in the front as his first welding project. (He says you can learn to do anything by watching You Tube!)  It is filled with foxtail ferns with a touch of color from the vinca plantings on each end.  The large pot came with the house and was painted to blend with the other landscaping.   It is filled with asparagus ferns, flanked by more native plants and succulents, and accented with driftwood.  .  Across the front, you will also see bamboo muhly and the metal rain chain.   The entire yard is a blend of native grasses and succulents with several areas accented with colorful annuals.   

As part of the remodeling on the house, Rich took out the fireplace. After first putting the stone outside to give away, they decided to keep it and get creative –  the stone facings became the border for the beds in the front.  

Cathy and Rich met when skydiving and they have brought this sense of adventure to the projects in their house and yard.  You may see them out working on new beds, building new fencing, or catch sight of Rich on his scooter with their French Bulldog, Rupert, along for the ride.  

Along with the recognition as Yard of the Month, they receive gift certificates from Leaf Landscape, Klingemann’s Car Care Center,  D’Lites Ice Cream , and Cypress Grill.  

Drive by, say hello, and get inspired by their hard work and creativity.

The Yard of the Month for August belongs to Yvette and Chris Wagner at 6401 Steer Trail.  Yvette and Chris have lived here for 26 years and really love the community  –  especially their neighbors on Steer Trail.   One neighbor had the idea that they adopt the name “The Trail Peeps”, a group they describe as always being willing to share a cup of milk, help care for an animal, or join in for  a visit and refreshing beverage in the yard in the evening.  There is a feeling of great fun and pride on Steer Trail. Their neighbors, Gail and Barry McAtee, (former Yard of the Month recipients), came out and applauded their recognition as we were putting up the sign. 

The inspiration for their new landscaping was to solve some drainage problems with runoff water.  The Wagner’s worked with Marian at Waterloo Landscape Design to create an entire new plan for the yard that included a dry creek bed, seating area, river rocks, flagstone, and lush and green plantings.  The front beds under the oak trees feature leopard plants, tropical sage, foxtail ferns, flax lilies, with Regina Walking Iris, and agapanthus lilies lining the front of the house.   Chris is particularly proud of his Texas Native Pecan that has grown from a seedling from the LBJ ranch.   

When asked what inspires them to work in their yard, they both named “weeds” as the motivating factor.  Their lush St. Augustine grass was evidence of their good work!  Some of the gardening advice covered their approach to managing the  mosquitos.  It’s the result of the group effort by their neighbors to have their yards sprayed on the same day (by Barfoot Mosquito). It makes it much nicer for everyone to enjoy the yard.  

Along with the recognition as Yard of the Month, they receive gift certificates from Leaf Landscape, Klingemann’s Car Care Center,  D’Lites Ice Cream , and Cypress Grill. 

Drive by and appreciate the design and hard work of their beautiful yard.  Feel free to stop by for a socially distanced visit if you see them in the yard! 

The Yard of the Month for July is the home of Clayton and Laci Smith at 5408 Wolf Run.

Clayton and Laci and their dog, Boo Bear have been part of our neighborhood for five years and enjoy the convenience, location, and neighbors of Westcreek.  

Laci and Clayton were inspired by walking the neighborhood to see the native plants others had included in their landscaping and set a goal of creating a low maintenance yard utilizing plants of varying heights and textures. Living with Austin’s water restrictions lead them to a decision to xeriscape.  Working with Leaf Landscape Supply, they selected native plants – Blackfoot daisies, a selection of grasses, artemisia, bottle brush, ocotillo, and Santa Rita Prickly pear.  Two new trees were added, a burr oak and desert willow.  They installed hardscape using a combination of decomposed granite, Oklahoma Pecan patio stone, and river rock.   Other features include the planter of succulents by their front walk and the driftwood Clayton found on a hike that was added to the front bed.  

They enjoy taking care of their yard  and see it as a form of beauty they can shape and care for as it fills in and matures.  Along with the recognition as Yard of the Month, they receive gift certificates from  Leaf Landscape, Klingemann’s Car Care Center,  D’Lites Ice Cream , and Cypress Grill. 

Drive by, see the sign for Yard of the Month, and enjoy the creativity and hard work they have poured into their yard!

Congratulations to Eric and Jodis Kyler at 6200 Sun Vista, the winners of the Yard of the Month for May.  Eric and Jodis have been part of our Westcreek neighborhood since 2001,  They enjoy the benefits of having great neighbors as well as the proximity to town, Dripping Springs, and the schools.  Jodis is active in the PTA and the Booster Club. They both enjoy working in their yard and it shows!

Their rockwork flower bed in their front yard is one of their favorite features.  It is filled with colorful plants like firecracker ferns, native grasses, and blooming shrubs . A large sago palm graces a bed by their front driveway.    The greenery, rockwork, and large tree make for a green and well-manicured space!

Thanks to our generous sponsors, Leaf Landscape, Klingemann’s Car Care Center,  D’Lites Ice Cream , and Cypress Grill for supporting the neighborhood beautification efforts through their donations of gift certificates for our award winners.

All Westcreek residents who are on our membership list are eligible for recognition as Yard of the Month.  If you would like to join and contribute to the neighborhood association, please visit this link. If you are not able to contribute right now but would still like to be a member, please fill out the WNA Membership Google Form. 

Congratulations to Jack & Bryna Schultz who live at 4604 White Elm for their beautiful Christmas lights and cutouts display of snowmen & Santa Claus! Bryna is responsible for hanging the lights throughout the yard & in the trees! Their son created the cutouts when he was a sophomore in high school…some 25 or so years ago!!
Thanks to our YOM sponsors who support our program! Klingemann’s automotive gives a free oil change, Leaf Landscape gives a $50 gift certificate, Cypress Grill gives a $45 gift card , & D’Lites gives a $15 gift card! We appreciate these wonderful loyal sponsors!