This past Saturday I attended a seminar on "Responsible Gardening"; the first two speakers, Rick Darke and Doug Tallamy, were inspiring as they discussed not only the impact of the typical "sterile" lanscape on insects, birds and other wildlife, but the wealth of beautiful native plant material we have available to us. I'm sure either of them would have thought your photo a great "before" shot, and thanked you for seeking to make changes!

Since you say you would like a more natural look, which would certainly have to be civilized somewhat to suit the style of your house, I would strongly recommend you check to see if there is a native plant society in your area and what plant lists they might provide.

Also check for public gardens in your area, a university garden (Texas A&M?), and visit for inspiration; ask the staff questions. You could drive around and see what neighbors have that is doing well for them ... but then you'll just have what they have.

The plants with which I am familiar here on the east coast, along the shore of NJ, may well be totally unsuitable for your environment, so I hesitate to make any specific suggestions.

Rick Darke, whose work is focused on landscape ethics, photography and contextual design, blends art, ecology and cultural geography in the creation and conservation of livable landscapes. He has worked across N. America, Canada, England, Ireland, Japan, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and Chile. (I summarized that from Saturday's program.) Somehow, I think he might have a few ideas suitable to the U.S. Southwest. You might want to check your library for his book "The American Woodland Garden." (I looked at and longed for it Saturday, but didn't buy it and have him sign it ... and now I'm sorry.)

Lovely house, by the way; much happiness to you in your new home! Please keep us posted as your plan progresses.

You should not jump at this idea without considering a host of others, but a great small tree for Texas and clay soil (in sun) is the Chinese Pistache. Crape myrtles are also excellent for your zone and climate--you should research different cultivars for size, mildew resistance, mainly to decide whether you want 2 of the big-ole guys--the white Natchez is very nice, and the flowers and cinnamon bark would go nicely with your brick. Probably avoid a crape in your dark corner--it won't bloom as much.

I'd like to hear from some of the duhsigners about placement--I think it would be best to stagger the 2 front trees and not have them in a line like 2 lollipops. And maybe have the tree nearest the front L corner (non-garage side) part of the foundation bed by bringing that bed out more at the corner. Also, do they have to be the same, or could you use 2 different species to maximize seasonal interest. There are a lot of smallish ornamental trees for your zone.

Frankie; I would LOVE to not have the two lollipops. From reading the HOA requirements there is nothing that says the trees have to be the same. I've thought about bringing the bed forward, so am in line with your thoughts.

Agarden; you're exactly right about native plants. I stopped using pesticides, herbicides and chemical fertilizers years ago. I'll be planting native or adapted species that require little to no "extra help". The challenge is to have a yard that is in balance with the neighborhood since many have non-native species and bomb their yards with poison!

Behind the house is a wetlands that has a building ban, so I would like to be a feeding stop for wildlife (birds, butterflies and such) :-)

Doug Tallamy's book is a wonderful way to get inspired when choosing new plants (just search for him by name on Amazon.com). It includes lists of plants that, according to his research, support various amounts of insects/moths/butterflies. Oak (genus Quercus) is number one - oaks support over 500 types. Native cherries/plums (genus Prunus) are also very important.

I recently saw him speak in Georgia and he encourages people to make a difference in their choices no matter how small the area.

It is a beautiful house and an exciting project. I don't have any experience with plants in Texas so I can't really recommend anything. But I am so glad to hear you're getting rid of those oh-so-boring/overused pears!!

Here is a link that might be useful: Native trees of Texas

Maybe you'd be interested in the Ogden's book called Plant-Driven Design. One of their homes is in Texas and there were very attractive pictures of their garden there in the book. Perhaps some of the comments and plants would be useful in your case and the pictures provide inspiration.

Here is a link that might be useful: Pant- Driven design

Thanks very much for the book ideas! I'll check them out.