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Collection by Erika Heet

Exclusive Tours of Private Texas Gardens

The Cultural Landscape Foundation is holding a series of intimate Garden Dialogues hosted by respected designers and patrons—this weekend, they head to Dallas / Fort Worth.

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In 2004, Urban Edge Developers in Dallas purchased the tract to construct a sustainable community, engaging landscape architect Kevin Sloan Studio and architects including Tod Williams and Billie Tsien. The refined aesthetics and careful grooming are equaled by environmentally sensitive details: the main street is a continuous biofilter; storm water is conveyed into rain gardens, separated by parking; cypress and reed plants filter water to sedimentation ponds for low-velocity drip irrigation. Concrete fragments and steel beams left over from its previous use as a landfill have been repurposed as “bricolage” for pavements and terraces. As part of the Dialogue, attendees will visit the landscapes of three private residences.
In 2004, Urban Edge Developers in Dallas purchased the tract to construct a sustainable community, engaging landscape architect Kevin Sloan Studio and architects including Tod Williams and Billie Tsien. The refined aesthetics and careful grooming are equaled by environmentally sensitive details: the main street is a continuous biofilter; storm water is conveyed into rain gardens, separated by parking; cypress and reed plants filter water to sedimentation ponds for low-velocity drip irrigation. Concrete fragments and steel beams left over from its previous use as a landfill have been repurposed as “bricolage” for pavements and terraces. As part of the Dialogue, attendees will visit the landscapes of three private residences.
On Sunday, April 12, from 1:00pm-2:30pm in Dallas, the subject will be the Midcentury Reduct by Tary Arterburn of Studio Outside, with Svend Fruit, AIA, Bodron+Fruit. At this midcentury home’s entry, tall blue-green rushes contrast with a bed of sweet flag, set below two gingko trees. In the upper-level courtyard, large native pecan trees create provide shade and dappled light. A sculpture composed of a sliced and mounted teak root sits above a low fountain. A fire table, seating, and a dining area complete the perfect space for entertaining. At the rear, the creekside terrace features a simple fountain trough, planted with lotus and other aquatic plants. Water constantly flows over the edges, mirroring the sound of the stream below. A glass floodwall along the patio edge allows uninterrupted views of the creek.
On Sunday, April 12, from 1:00pm-2:30pm in Dallas, the subject will be the Midcentury Reduct by Tary Arterburn of Studio Outside, with Svend Fruit, AIA, Bodron+Fruit. At this midcentury home’s entry, tall blue-green rushes contrast with a bed of sweet flag, set below two gingko trees. In the upper-level courtyard, large native pecan trees create provide shade and dappled light. A sculpture composed of a sliced and mounted teak root sits above a low fountain. A fire table, seating, and a dining area complete the perfect space for entertaining. At the rear, the creekside terrace features a simple fountain trough, planted with lotus and other aquatic plants. Water constantly flows over the edges, mirroring the sound of the stream below. A glass floodwall along the patio edge allows uninterrupted views of the creek.
The rear of the midcentury reduct home overlooks the creek and the unique floor plan opens into the landscape on both the upper and lower levels. The landscape design strikes the perfect balance between the home’s strong architectural lines and its creekside environment. A plant palette of varying shades of green was chosen for texture and seasonal interest. Berkeley sedge creates a soft evergreen base to the garden and plantings include beautyberry, indigo, yellow iris, and dwarf palmetto.
The rear of the midcentury reduct home overlooks the creek and the unique floor plan opens into the landscape on both the upper and lower levels. The landscape design strikes the perfect balance between the home’s strong architectural lines and its creekside environment. A plant palette of varying shades of green was chosen for texture and seasonal interest. Berkeley sedge creates a soft evergreen base to the garden and plantings include beautyberry, indigo, yellow iris, and dwarf palmetto.
On Saturday, April 11, 2:00-3:30pm in Westover Hills, William Bibb and Brian McDonald of Archiverde, and Weldon Turner of Turner | Boaz Architecture will discuss One Westover. This stately private property, originally owned by the philanthropic Rhodes family for more than 100 years, was completely renovated by the current owner from 2010-2013. The project is a major collaboration between the landscape architect and architect, both of whom will participate in the Dialogue. The landscape is just over an acre, and its design is based on centerlines and relationships of the architecture. Please see the complete list of garden dialogues here.
On Saturday, April 11, 2:00-3:30pm in Westover Hills, William Bibb and Brian McDonald of Archiverde, and Weldon Turner of Turner | Boaz Architecture will discuss One Westover. This stately private property, originally owned by the philanthropic Rhodes family for more than 100 years, was completely renovated by the current owner from 2010-2013. The project is a major collaboration between the landscape architect and architect, both of whom will participate in the Dialogue. The landscape is just over an acre, and its design is based on centerlines and relationships of the architecture. Please see the complete list of garden dialogues here.