Creating an Urban Retreat

Spring Lake Garden Club’s yard of the month for January 2019 is a mix of native plants and adaptive species on an uphill lot with no lawn – exactly what Ann and Jerry Whitus were looking for when they moved to San Marcos about 10 years ago. Their home on Spring Hollow Cove in Castle Forest, is tucked away on a cul de sac in a subdivision but seems like an urban retreat, complete with a screened front porch from which they can view a variety of interesting plants instead of pavement and parked cars. Shaded by two motts (groves) of oak trees on each side of the yard, the landscape is welcoming yet private.

A screened front porch connects the landscape to the inside of the house and adds a peaceful viewing spot.