Find useful information to help you create an attractive earth-friendly landscape. Good planning and design will lead to a landscape that reflects the character of central Texas, conserves resources, and protects our environment.
Where to begin?
- Read the Landscape Design fact sheet, Guia Sabia de la Tierra para el: Diseno de jardines
- Get a map of your property
- Evaluate your site
- Check soil depth and type
- Amend the soil, if needed
- Consider raised beds
- Identify underground utilities (call 811)
- Come up with a plan
- Save existing desirable plants
- Plan to keep water on the land
- Make informed plant choices
- Use native and well-adapted species
- Avoid invasive plants
- Use a diversity of species
- Plant native species to attract wildlife
- Visit local gardens for inspiration
- Consult the Landscape Design templates
Featured Programs & Services
- Rain Gardens
- Rain Garden fact sheet
- Irrigation fact sheet
- Hiring a Landscaping Professional
- Rebates, free stuff and grants
Home Landscaping
- Planning the Home Landscape (Texas AgriLIFE Extension Service)
- Landscaping for Energy Conservation (Texas AgriLIFE Extension Service)
- Landscape for Water Conservation (Texas AgriLIFE Extension Service)
Low Impact Development (LID)
- The Low Impact Development Center home page
- LID Urban Design Tools (EPA Office of Water)
- Low Impact Development (US EPA Polluted Runoff)
- The Center for Watershed Protection
- Technical Criteria Manuals for the City of Austin Land Development Code
- Environmental Criteria Manual, Water Quality Management Section (City of Austin) especially section 1.6.0 – Design Guidelines for Water Quality Controls.
- Stormwater - The Journal for Surface Water Quality Professionals
Rainwater Harvesting
Wildlife Habitats
- Audubon
- Best of Texas Backyard Wildlife Habitats (Texas Parks & Wildlife & National Wildlife Federation)
- Travis Audubon
- Wildlife Austin (City of Austin Parks & Recreation)
- Wildscapes (Texas Parks & Wildlife)
East Austin Environmental Initiative 