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THE COMPLETE RESOURCE MAGAZINE FOR YOUR HOME
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A U G U S T 2 0 1 0T H E C O M P L E T E R E S O U R C E M A G A Z I N E F O R Y O U R H O M E
D A L L A S / F O R T W O R T H
SHOWCASING THE PRACTICALITIES OF ECO-CONSCIOUS DESIGN IN PARKER COUNTY
SustainableStylishly
ENERGY EFFICIENT WINDOWSAND DOORS
20th Annual Fort Worth Home & Garden Market Guide | Aug 28-29th
house& home | August 2010 | house and home on l ine . com2
Individuals who become temporarily disabled (ie, knee/hip surgery or a broken bone) can navigate the homewithout barriers
Homeowners can care for aging parents and their youngfamily simultaneously without having to move or endureadditional extensive remodeling
Aging homeowners can ‘age in place’ should they choose
Homeowners can comfortably entertain friends or familywith mobility limitations, such as aging parents and/orgrandparents who use wheelchairs or walkers
These features provide higher demand in resale or home rental
Certified aXess Home constructed byThomas Signature Homes in Dallas.
Ask your builder, remodeler or real estate professional for a home with
aXess HomesTM
features
aXess Homes™ is a statewide nonprofit program based at ILRU TIRR Memorial Hermannand funded by the Texas Council on Developmental Disabilities.
www.axesshomes.com
house& home | August 2010 | house and home on l ine . com4
FREEreplacement of standard air filter with anyservice call!Let our operator knowyour filter size when set-ting up appointment.
Tax Credit available through Dec. 2010.See your Tax Advisor for details.
Financing Available with Approved CreditWe Service All Brands
Serving Collin County • www.FanningServices.com
F
Get Your AC System CheckedBefore Summer Arrives!
On A MissionSustainable home on a budget.
Efficiency With StyleWindows, doors and more that add to yourhome’s appeal and subtract from your energy bill.
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departments
features
D A L L A S / F O R T W O R T H
August 2010 | Vo l . 9 Issue 8contents
on the coverModern and striking, the small custom-built home offirst-time homeowner Heather Ferrier is a testament tothe aesthetics and affordability of energy and environ-mental design.
Photography by Terri Glanger.
PUBLISHER . . . . . . .Mike Harrison, Ph.D.ART DIRECTOR . . . . . . . . . .Robert CoplinEDITORIAL INTERN . . . . .Anastasia JakseCONTRIBUTING WRITERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pamela Crawford, Amanda Flatten, . . . .Shawn Gustafson, Steve Huddleston, . . . . . . . . .Jeffrey Jacoby, Joetta MouldenACCOUNT EXECUTIVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tammi Greene
OFFICE MANAGER . . . . . . . Cheryl CollierPRINTING . . . . . . . . . DROR International
PUBLISHED BY MBH PUBLISHING, LLC
MBH Inc., dba Dallas/Fort Worth House &Home ("DFWH&H"), is a news magazine withemphasis on interior design and remodeling.House & Home does not knowingly acceptfalse or misleading advertising or editorialcontent, nor does H&H or its staff assumeresponsibility should such advertising or edi-torial content appear in any publication.
House & Home has not independently test-ed any services or products advertised hereinand has not verified claims made by its adver-tisers regarding those services or products.House & Home makes no warranties or repre-sentations and assumes no liability for anyclaims regarding those services or products orclaims made by advertisers. Readers areadvised to consult with the advertiser and/orother home repair and renovation profession-als regarding the suitability of an advertiser'sproducts.
No reproduction is permitted without thewritten consent of the Publisher. Copyright2010, all rights reserved. Subscriptions avail-able for home delivery at a cost of $25 peryear. P.O. Box 117023
Carrollton, TX 75011-7023972.395.3409
In This IssueA preview of our August 2010 edition.
20th Annual Fort Worth Home & Garden Market Guide
Gardening: Water Conservation
20
house& home | August 2010 | house and home on l ine . com6
In the construction industry, sustainabilityis the term for maintaining the planer’sresources with energy conservation, recy-cling and a greater reliance on renewableresources, and is something none of us canafford to ignore anymore. With buildingsexpending fully 48 percent of all the harm-ful greenhouse emissions that stem fromthe burning of fossil fuels, the U.S. EnergyInformation Administration says the build-ing sector is a major force driving globalwarming. And since, residential dwellingsconsume more than their commercialcounterparts, it’s a case where changeabsolutely MUST start at home.
Fortunately, advocates say sustainabilityis not expensive, and results are extensive.Generally, green building may cost 5-10percent more up front, but the payback insavings is usually realized within the firstfive years. And those of us not in the posi-tion to install pricey geotherman HVACsystems or solar technologies can still makeother important efforts-and easily too.Switching from incandescent light bulbs tocompact flourescents. Installing insulationin the attic. Selecting low-flush toilets andwater-conservation showerheads. Applyingmulch around trees to prevent run-off andplanting trees to shade hardscapes. Usinglow-VOC paints. The list is long and a lit-tle goes a long way.
For inspiration, turn to page 20 to seehow good energy and environmental designcan look. An affordable, green built homein Parker County, the residence belongs toHeather Ferrier, a young Fort Worthwoman who learned about eco-consciousconstruction from her dad, Don Ferrier, abuilder whose been employing sustainabili-ty strategies in the metroplex since 1984.
We owe it to ourselves to get educatedabout energy and environmental issues, andthere are plenty of websites that put theinformation at our fingertips. For starters,check out energysavers.gov, drivesmarterchallenge.org and powertochoose.org.
Enjoy the issue!
House & Home
in this issue:
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ADVERTOR I AL
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Does your company provide a Green productor service to consumers?
Green Built Texas has partnered with International Exhibitions Inc; pro-
ducer of the Dallas Home and Garden Market. We have added the Going
Green Showcase to the popular consumer event that will be held this fall,
September 11 and 12. A section of the show will be devoted to vendors dedi-
cated to helping consumers find green building products, energy efficient
upgrades, and living solutions.
The program will also be coordinating a stage featuring seminars from
local industry experts discussing relevant green and energy efficiency topics.
If your company is interested in participating in the Going Green
Showcase, please contact Chris Miles at 214-718-8424 or Phil Crone at 214-
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www.greenbuilttexas.com and click on the “Going Green Showcase” tab.
Please note: In order to preserve the sustainable focus of this event, all ven-
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Showcase web page on GreenBuiltTexas.com to provide necessary information.
The fall Dallas Home and Garden Market will be highlighting this feature
with TV; radio; and newspaper and promises to be the centerpiece of the
show’s marketing efforts making participation in the Showcase all the more
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Booth space is limited to only 39 booths so reserve your space now!
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house& home | August 2010 | house and home on l ine . com12
Your home is a direct reflection of your personalityand your ever-changing lifestyle. Whether you are look-ing for the perfect piece of furniture for your foyer,researching all your “green” energy options or finding theperfect landscaper to create your outdoor oasis, FortWorth’s Home & Garden Market is your local resource tomake your home and garden the place you have alwaysdreamed it to be.
We have brought in leading guest speakers and experts toprovide you with the most current trends, information andknow-how, you can instantly transform your house intoyour ideal home and garden. Home-owner-friendly attrac-tions inlcude:
• Small, affordable concept gardens that will make yourlot a curb-appeal standout, courtesy of TNLA
• “Texas Home Improvement Workshops” brought to youby Jim Dutton and a variety of home improvement gurus!
• A total range of new products and services from provenlocal contractors – “from windows and doors to ceilings tofloors... and much much more!”
HOW DOES YOUR GARDEN GROW?Texas Nursery & Landscape Association- Featuring over 6000 sq. ft. ofspectacular concept gardens! Stroll through lavish landscaping displaysin a shapes, sizes and designs by the Texas Nursery & LandscapeAssociation – showcasing the talents of over 10 top area landscapersand designers. Learn how to grow your perfect Fall garden on a budg-et!
HUNDREDS OF EXPERTS UNDER ONE ROOF! Check out FREE hourly seminars and demonstrations at the Home andGarden Theater!
DON ENGEBRETSON, theRenegade Gardener, is rapidlybecoming one of America’s best-known gardening authorities. On-going television appearances as gar-dening and landscape design experton HGTV’s “TIPical MaryEllen” andPBS-TV’s “HOMETIME” plus speak-ing appearances at home, garden,and flower shows across Americahave placed Don in front of nationalaudiences.
His humorous, opinionated work as agarden writer for national publica-tions such as Better Homes andGardens, Midwest Living, LandscapeSolutions, Garden, Deck &
Landscape, The Seattle Times and others has also garnered national atten-tion; Don recently won his sixth national writing award from the GardenWriters Association of America.
What is Renegade Gardening? It’s a smile from doing things right com-bined with a stern, suspicious glance at a gardening industry that tries to sellunsuspecting homeowners the line that gardening is quick and easy, thatplants are foolproof, that plastic rocks make for attractive edging, and thatdesign need not be learned, it can be purchased from a catalogue. As Donsays, “Design is design, gardening is gardening, dumb is dumb, and truthconquers all!”
Don preaches that the joy of gardening comes from experimentation, andthat a passion for gardening comes only from failing, laughing, succeeding,and learning. Truth is, gardening isn’t always easy, says Don, but mind yourback, and the process is guaranteed to be a hoot.
Appearances are on Saturday, August 28th only. Times are at 12:oo, 2:oo &4:00. Don’t miss one of these seminars or plan to see them all!
A FORT WORTH TRADITION…
ABOUT THE HOME & GARDEN MARKET
WHEN: August 28-29, 2010Saturday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m./Sunday: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
WHERE: Fort Worth Convention Center1201 Houston Street, Fort Worth, TX 76102
TICKETS: Adults - $9.00, children under 14 -free. Friday only - $7for senior citizens. (Discounts cannot be combined.)
$1.00 off discount coupons available in your circular and the Texas Home & Garden website.
MORE INFO: Call 1-800-654-1480 or visit www.thehomeandgardenmarket.com
FORT WORTH’S HOME & GARDEN MARKETYOUR LOCAL HOME IMPROVEMENT RESOURCEAUGUST 28TH — 29TH AT THE FORT WORTH CONVENTION CENTER
13
A/C & HEATINGAir Serv of Fort Worth - 447
Airrite - H.E.R.S. Raters of Texas – 1303Premier Maintenance Service - 929
Stark Heating & Air Conditioning - 229Tradesman of Texas A/C & Insulation - 713
BEDS City Mattress Factory - 629
Mattress Firm - 317Select Comfort 609
BUILDER/ CONTRACTOR/ PAINTER/ REMODELER Atlas Building Systems - 206
Econtractorbids.com - 927Fort Worth Lumber - 1403
Home Depot at Home Services - 1435Longhorn Construction - 1321
Owner Builder Network - 2407Sears Home Improvement Products - 609
Statewide Remodeling - 729The Rockaway Company - 2424
Ubuildit - 402Woodland Fence & Construction - 1309
Your Construction Source - 232
CABLE & TV / HOME ELECTRONICSIndigo Home Technologies - 131
Verizon Wireless - 335
Children’s Activity Center - 1545
CLEANING PRODUCTS & SERVICESK & M Wholesale - 647
CLOSETS Shelf Genie - 127
COOKWARECutco Cutlery - 746Royal Prestige - 844
United Specialty Products - 529Vita-Mix - 921
ELECTRICAL PROVIDERS Gexa Energy - 819
Green Mountain Energy - 937
ENERGY EFFICIENT PRODUCTS/ SERVICESHeatblockers - 519
Solartek Energy of Dallas - 303Statewide Remodeling - 831
SHOW ATTRACTIONSCrafting Cool & Creative Containers – Contain your enthusiasmduring this hands-on presentation that teaches homeowners everything youneed to know to create your own dazzling container arrangements!
Top 10 Gardening Blunders – and How to Avoid Them! – Probably themost hilarious 45 minutes you will ever experience! Check out this presenta-tion that fast-forwards you through 15 years of the rookie mistakes everyhomeowner makes as you attempt to grow into a good gardener.
Check out the “Home ImprovementWorkshops” by Jim Dutton and learnhow-to! For over five years Jim Dutton has beenbringing his 32 years of construction experi-ence to the Texas airwaves with helpfuladvice on how to protect the number oneinvestment we all have: "Our Homes."
Most people only consider the cost of the home on the date of pur-chase with absolutely no idea about the cost to maintain it. Jim trulybelieves that if we properly maintain our homes, most of the problemshomeowners face today would not exist. It's been our mission since thisshow began to only work with the best.
Jim doesn't just do a radio show — he actually conducts hands on semi-nars called THI University throughout the state of Texas. To this daythousands of people have benefited from the hands on illustrations anddemonstrations that Jim brings to Texas. Check out these seminars allweekend long at the show!
FROM WINDOWS AND DOORS….TO CEILINGS ANDFLOORS…Find it all and more at the Home & Garden Market! Pools & Spas, HomeBuilding & Remodeling, Outdoor Living, Kitchens & Baths! Talk to the experts– all under one roof!
HELP TO FIGHT NORTH TEXANS IN NEED – HUNGER ISHERE. YOU CAN HELP. Tarrant Area Food Bank works to eliminate hunger in Fort Worth, Texas and13 surrounding counties by providing food, education, and other resources toa network of hunger-relief charities and their communities. Bring your cannedfood items and lend a hand in the fight against hunger.
house& home | August 2010 | house and home on l ine . com14
Texas Energy Concepts - 235Texas Home Energy Rating Org. - 1313
US Window Films - 513
FENCE & DECK / PATIOSAtlas Building Systems - 206
Diamond B Fence & Concrete - 745Sundance Fence & Iron - 810
Woodland Fence & Construction - 1309
FINANCIAL Strategies 4 Retirement - 1409
Wells Fargo Advisors - 118
FLOORINGChoice Stone And Tile - 429
Classic Tile & Plaster, Inc. - 934Elegant Flooring - 428
Metroplex Flooring - 1111
FOODCostco Wholesale - 1020
Homemade Gourmet - 1448Jimmy O's Texas Marinades - 2428
MyCoffeeSupply.com - 702Texas Toffee - 1249
FOUNDATION Concrete Raising Corporation - 919Du-West Foundation Repair - 1516
Geo - Tech Foundation Repair - 715Perma Pier Foundation Repair - 741
GARDEN/LANDSCAPING/LIGHTING/PLANTS/TREESArlington Men's Garden Club - 1634
Blooming Concepts - 1446Fort Worth Cactus & Succulent Society - 1525
Ideal Landscape Services - 1103Nature’s Reflections - 1003
Texas Nursery & Landscape Assoc. - GardensTexas Agrilife Extension - 1545
HEALTH & BEAUTY Chiro Plus Clinic, South - 446
Gateway Chiropractic - 640Nume Style - 1349
Path To Wellness Chiropractic - 725
HOME DÉCORHeritage Enterprises - 1042
Scentsy - 347 Waterbeads/ Great Gifts - 721
SHOW ATTRACTIONS
15
house& home | August 2010 | house and home on l ine . com16
INSURANCE AAA Texas - 719
Insphere IS - 842
INTERIOR DECORATORSDecorating Den Interiors - 602
HOME SECURITY & SAFESBroadview Security - 824
Guardian Protection Services - 1434
KITCHEN & BATHBath Fitter - 916
Choice Stone And Tile - 429Dream Maker Bath & Kitchen - 2404
Duramar Kitchen & Baths - 541Granite Transformations - 634
Innovative Surfaces of Texas - 1040Kitchen Solver's - 936
Republic Cabinets Direct - 628Shelf Genie - 127
Statewide Remodeling - 735The Kitchen Source - 1320
The Rockaway Company - 2424
NON- PROFITCareity Foundation - 926
Humane Society Of North Texas - 1645Paws Across Texas - 1635
OUTDOOR LIVINGAtlas Building Systems - 206
Outdoor Living Pool & Patio - 125
POOLS & SPASKlapprodt's Pools & Spas - 1443
Outdoor Living Pool & Patio - 125
PUBLICATIONS DFW House & Home Magazine - 1544
TheHomeMag - 817
RADIO STATIONS KLTY FM - 1443KSKY AM - 931
WBAP - Texas Home Improvement - 1518
ROOF & GUTTERBilly Ellis Inc. - 1119
Classic Superoof - 1347Guttermaxx - 941
Leafguard - 1317Newman Roofing - 430
SAUNASSaunas Today - 635
US Saunas - 413
SIDING & WINDOWS & DOORS3 Day Blinds - 820
Amazing Siding & Windows - 803Andersen Windows & Doors - 1246
Champion Windows - 1203Clear Choice Windows - 512
Longs Windows & Blinds - 535Phantom Screens - 1016
Statewide Remodeling - 729Texas Energy Concepts - 235
US Window Films - 513
SKYLIGHTS/ ATTICS Daylight Rangers - 423
Efficient Attic Systems - 930Texas Attic Lifts - 1413
TOOLS & EQUIPMENTTomboy Tools - 711
TEXAS NURSERY & LANDSCAPE ASSOC. - GARDENS
VACATION/ TRAVELGrapevine CVB - 740
Silverleaf Resorts - 843Wyndham Vacation Resorts - 630
WATER CONDITIONINGCulligan - 1410
Nations Pure Water Systems - 917
MISC.Bill's Birdhouses And Collectibles - 1641
Costco Wholesale - 1020Fort Worth Water Department - 1426
Greenwood-Mount Olivet - 1341Marketing Results - 329
Press A Print - 1421Touch Of Purple - 441
SHOW ATTRACTIONS
17
ADVERTOR I AL
Texas Flooring &InteriorsTexas Flooring & Interiors now offers Dallas area home builders, remodel-ers, homeowners and light-commercial property owners high-quality hard-wood, engineered wood, stone, tile, and carpet flooring; granite counter-tops, backsplashes, cabinets and more.
John Rudolph, sole proprietor of Texas Flooring & Interiors, is not new tothe flooring industry. His experience in flooring began at the SherwinWilliams Company but includes sales and management of several flooringstores and a move to Las Vegas, Nevada where he was president of a multi-million dollar flooring corporation.
Also, as a columnist for high-end home magazines, he has helped manyhomeowners through the process of making the best floor-buying decisionfor their lifestyle and environment.
Texas Flooring & Interiors combines John’s expertise with that of localhardwood flooring specialist Kevin Landreth and granite countertop spe-cialist Lance Irick. As an additional advantage to its clients, crews workingfor Texas Flooring & Interiors have an average of ten years experience.
For more information or a free in-home estimate from Texas Flooring & Interiors,
call 972-939-1852 or e-mail your request to [email protected].
EXHIBITORS3 Day Blinds 820AAA Texas 719Air Serv of Fort Worth 447Airrite - H.E.R.S. Raters of Texas
1303Amazing Siding & Windows 803Andersen Windows & Doors 1246Arlington Men's Garden Club 1634Atlas Building Systems 206Bath Fitter 916Bill's Birdhouses and Collectibles
1641Billy Ellis Inc. 1119Blooming Concepts 1446Broadview Security 824Careity Foundation 926Champion Windows 1203Chiro Plus Clinic 446Choice Stone and Tile 429City Mattress Factory 629Classic Superoof 1347Classic Tile & Plaster 934Clear Choice Windows 512Concrete Raising Corporation 919Costco Wholesale 1020Culligan 1410Cutco Cutlery 746Dallas / Fort Worth House & Home Magazine 1544
Daylight Rangers 423Decorating Den Interiors 602Diamond B Fence & Concrete 745Dream Maker Bath & Kitchen 2404Du-West Foundation Repair 1516Duramar Kitchen & Baths 541EContractorbids.com 927Efficient Attic Systems 930Elegant Flooring 428Fort Worth Cactus & Succulent Society 1525
Fort Worth Lumber 1403Fort Worth Water Department 1426Gateway Chiropractic 640Geo - Tech Foundation Repair 715Gexa Energy 819Granite Transformations 634Grapevine CVB 740Green Mountain Energy 937Greenwood-Mount Olivet 1341Guardian Protection Services 1434Guttermaxx 941Heatblockers, Inc. 519Heritage Enterprises 1042Home Depot At Home Services1435Homemade Gourmet 1448Humane Society of North Texas
1645Ideal Landscape Services 1103Indigo Home Technologies 131Innovative Surfaces of Texas 1040Insphere Is 842Jimmy O's Texas Marinades 2428K & M Wholesale 647Kitchen Solver's 936Klapprodt's Pools & Spas 909KLTY Fm 1443KSKY Am 931Leafguard 1317
Longhorn Construction 1321Longs Windows & Blinds 535Marketing Results 329Mattress Firm 317Metroplex Flooring 1111MyCoffeeSupply.com 702Nations Pure Water Systems 917Nature's Reflections 1003Newman Roofing 430Nume Style 1349Outdoor Living Pool & Patio 125Owner Builder Network 2407Path To Wellness Chiropractic 725Paws Across Texas 1635Perma Pier Foundation Repair 741Phantom Screens 1016Premier Maintenance Service 929Press A Print 1421Republic Cabinets Direct 628The Rockaway Company 2424Royal Prestige 844Saunas Today 635Scentsy 347Sears Home Improvement Products 112
Select Comfort 609Shelf Genie 127Silverleaf Resorts 843Solartek Energy 303Star Telegram 429, 643Stark Heating & Air Conditioning229Statewide Remodeling 831,729,735Strategies 4 Retirement 1409Sundance Fence & Iron 810Texas Agrilife Extension 1545Texas Attic Lifts 1413Texas Energy Concepts 235Texas Home Energy Rating
Organization 1313Texas Nursery & LandscapeAssociationThe Center GardensTexas Toffee 1249The Kitchen Source 1320Thehomemag 817Tomboy Tools 711Touch of Purple 441Tradesman Of Texas AirConditioning & Insulation 713Ubuildit 402United Specialty Products 529US Saunas 413US Window Films 513Verizon Wireless / Cellular Sales
335Vita-Mix 921Waterbeads/ Great Gifts 721WBAP - Texas Home Improvement
1518Wells Fargo Advisors 118Woodland Fence & Construction
1309Wyndham Vacation Resorts 630Your Construction Source 232
house& home | August 2010 | house and home on l ine . com20
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OnAMission
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It’s an impressive accomplishment for a young, single woman and first-timehomeowner. Not surprisingly, the project has generated media attention from localnewspapers and trade magazines–and might just help bring the rest of us into the21st century and closer to the American Institute of Architects’ initiative to dra-matically reduce and eventually negate the fossil fuel consumption and the envi-ronmental impact of greenhouse gas emissions by the U.S. building sector over thenext 25 years. (A group called Architecture 2030 has taken on global warmingwith an ambitious goal of reducing fossil fuel consumption of buildings by 50 per-cent during the next four years, then by10 percent every five years after that.)
Despite reports that sustainable building is a national trend that’s booming inother parts of the country, the concept has been slow to take root in north Texas.Heather admits that other 26-year-olds setting out on parallel homebuilding pathsmight view what she did as a pie-in-the-sky idea, but it made perfectsense to her. As both daughter andemployee of Don Ferrier of FerrierBuilders, Inc., a Fort Worth compa-ny that specializes in eco-consciousdesigns, she took a seat on the greenbuilding bandwagon early on.
“I’ve been interested in this ona personal level for a long time,”Heather says, noting her longstand-ing allergies and vegetarian diet. “Iguess I’ve been more aware of someof the issues than others, but, it justmakes so much sense to think youcan build with less impacts on theenvironment, and if you can dothat and also dramatically loweryour energy costs, it’s like driving ahybrid car. Why wouldn’t you?”
The U.S. Department ofEnergy promotes the merits of ener-gy-efficient and environmentaldesigns through its BuildingAmerica program, yet, local con-sumers frequently fend for them-selves when it comes to researchinggreener construction options. Andthen there’s the challenge of track-ing down contractors who arefamiliar with such systems andproducts, know how to install themor, for that matter, have even heardof them. On the flip side of thecoin, the few builders and architectsin the area with this specialty oftencombat the perception that whatthey do is a little too complicated, “out there” or just plain “Californian” to catchon here.
“People aren’t demanding it and a lot of builders and trade contractors are justused to doing things the way they’ve always done them,” Heather says.“ Change isslow.”
Fortunately, Heather’s dad, Don, served as builder on the project, and thefather-daughter team took their shared passion for healthier and more energy effi-cient choices one step further, consulting with DOE officials about the criteriarequired to be a USGBC prototype. “What we wanted to do was show that greenbuilding is a concept that can be applied to a smaller and more affordable level,”
Don says, “that average homeowners can enjoy the benefits of this.”To design the attractive but modest, 2,038-square-foot home, Don and
Heather brought in architect Gary Olp of GGO Architects in Dallas, a specialistwho took many of the green concepts implemented in his own two-story Dallashome and scaled them down to fit Heather’s budget and more moderate needs.“Don and Gary have worked together a lot over the years,” Heather says, “so Ibenefited from their expertise.”
With a stucco exterior, metal roof and modern styling, the trend-settingstarter home touts a two-story floor plan with three bedrooms and two and a halfbaths. It sits on a full acre in a rural Parker County neighborhood populated byhomeowners who are willing to drive a little farther for more property and betterviews than they typically find in more urban developments. Interestingly enough,
Heather notes that finding the landproved a bigger challenge than plan-ning and building the home becausemany areas and homeowners’ associ-ations had size limitations that pre-cluded her plan to build small.
With a design in hand byNovember 2005, Heather dealt witha two-month delay due to anunavailability of certain buildingproducts, but the home was stillconstructed in four months (fasterthan it might have been with tradi-tional methods and materials), justin time for inclusion on the GreaterFort Worth Builder’s 2006 SpringTour of New Homes in April. Some200,000 strangers found plenty totalk about too as they tromped upHeather’s bamboo stairs and across
her stained concrete floors. Some vis-itors were keen on hearing how thesolar-heated tankless water heaterand Structural Insulated Panels(SIPs) create a more energy efficientstructure. Others were moreintrigued by the notion of usingpaints and stains with low VOC(volatile organic compounds) inorder to improve indoor air quality,or found inspiration in Olp’s simple-but-bright idea of using multipleglass block windows in the livingroom to provide natural daylightingthat lowers electric bills while addingarchitectural interest to the space.
“None of this is new,”Heather says. “It’s just not something people in this area know much about.…People will look at this and say they never knew about any of the green build-ing concepts they see here, but it’s how we’re all going to have to think aboutbuilding our homes in just a few years–especially with energy prices the way theyare.”
With green building, Heather explains that issues focus both on minimizingyour impact on the environment by using recycled and renewable resources, andon having a healthier environment by opting for products free of the usual abun-dance of chemicals. The energy efficiency issue intersects with these goals with itsaim at minimizing our dependence on fossil fuels and other natural resources.
B Y E L A I N E R O G E R S • P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y T E R R I G L A N G E R
O P P O S I T E P A G E :
ABOVE: Situated on a one-acre lot near Lake Weatherford in Parker County, this unusualhome is one of 100 prototypes for the U.S. Green Building Council. It touts a stucco exteri-or, metal roof and was built with structurally insulated panels (SIPs), a product that employsrecycled wood and nontoxic Styrofoam to create a tighter building “envelope,” reducing heat-ing and cooling costs. The home was designed by Dallas architect Gary Olp of GGOArchitects and built by Ferrier Builders, Inc., a Fort Worth company specializing in eco-con-scious designs.
BELOW: The airy style and two-story height of the living room adds a sense of spacious-ness that belies the green built home’s size of just 2,038 square feet. Floors are stainedand scored concrete; the stairs are bamboo (a member of the grass family and a renew-able resource).
CREATING A LOCAL SHOWCASE OFSUSTAINABLE BUILDING ON A BUDGET
Given a personal interest in green build-
ing and an inside track in the con-
struction business, Heather Ferrier of
Fort Worth found a practice-what-you-
preach opportunity when she bought
property in April 2005 and began planning her own
custom home. Today, her small, newly constructed res-
idence in Parker County has qualified as one of only
100 prototypes nationwide of the United States Green
Building Council (USGBC) and stands as a testament to
the goal of bringing energy and environmental design
to smaller scale housing.
house& home | August 2010 | house and home on l ine . com22
O P P O S I T E P A G E :ABOVE: In the living room, architectural interest abounds with 33 glass block windows ona north facing wall providing a unique aesthetic and natural daylighting while the curvedtracings of the scored concrete are matched to the curve of the home’s radius roof. A frisky kit-ten named Bella loves to romp on the stairs–and everywhere else.
BELOW: An island topped with “grenadine” Formica is a stylish standout in the kitchenwith its two tiers and built-in wine storage. Cabinetry in the cook zone is regionally pro-duced ash, treated with a low VOC stain.
T H I S P A G E :BELOW: In keeping with the modern architecture, the homeowner favors clean-linedfurnishings and simple window coverings from sources like IKEA and World Market, plusInterFlor adhesive modular carpet components–a product made from corn husks.
Two years ago, the Metroplex got a flashy introduction to these conceptswhen North Texas’ first Zero Energy Home made a huge splash during theGreater Dallas Home Builder Association’s 2004 Parade of Homes in Frisco. Builtby AndersonSargent Custom Builder LP of Waxahachie, the impressive projectwon popularity contests such as “Best Overall House” and “Best Interior Design”during the tour. Don heralds the zero energy home’s achievements, yet says it mayhave perpetuated a general and ongoing perception that green building is toopricey a proposition for ordinary folk.
“They put all the bells and whistles on that project, and it was beautifullydone,” Don explains. “But the expense of some of the features also left peoplethinking that green building isn’t practical or affordable for the rest of us.”
In that regard, Heather’s house became a testing ground and a showcase forthe dad and daughter team to disprove the notion that sustainable building is onlyattainable by the wealthy who can afford to do it on a large scale.
“I had a very specific budget, and sometimes, that means you only do whatyou can instead of what you want ,” Heather explains. “Some things cost toomuch upfront to justify because the payoff will take too long. But, the things wedid implement, and could afford to, really counted.” Although Heather made theinvestment of installing photovoltaic panels on the metal roof to heat her tanklesswater heater, she says it would have cost an additional $30,000 to make the wholehouse solar-powered. And, instead of a geothermal HVAC system that uses waterto heat and cool a home, she had to go with a more traditional but high-efficiencyair conditioning unit.
She did, however, install a rainwater collection system and, with the insulationqualities of products like the SIPs, she wound up with a two-story home with astartlingly low average electric bill of just $75 per month.
Obviously, Heather’s house puts forth a strong message about the future of thebuilding industry, but it does so in a soft, stylish setting with a modern, minimalistdécor well-suited to young, adult roommates or even small families. “Lots of the
young couples and families that came through on the home tour made a point oftelling me they could see themselves living in a house like this,” Heather recalls.
One of the most striking elements of the home is the two-story living roomwall with 33 glass block windows that seem to burst with light during daylighthours. Heather reports being very surprised after move-in that this and other day-lighting components mean she almost never has to turn on lights until after sunset.“It’s always bright in here,” she muses. “It’s wonderful.”
Against the gleaming appeal of the concrete floors, contemporary furnishingsand trendy wall hangings and window coverings from retailers like IKEA andWorld Market establish the fun, comfortable mood, while added color in the liv-ing room comes from modular carpet pieces from InterFlor, reportedly made fromcork husks.
In the kitchen and on bathroom countertops, Formica is the budget-friendlychoice, and Heather notes it is green-guard certified too, meaning less chemicals
23
house& home | August 2010 | house and home on l ine . com24
T H I S P A G E :ABOVE: In the master bath,
vessel sinks adorn a Formica
countertop in “jute gauze” and
copper-colored mosaic tile from
Daltile complements the
California slate of the floor and
frameless shower. More glass
block elements and a solar tube
in the master closet help illumi-
nate the private zone.
LEFT: Homeowner Heather
Ferrier bought property near
Weatherford and pursued a
plan to build a small custom
home with energy and environ-
mental design in mind. Photo
courtesy Ferrier Custom Homes.
25
were used in the adhesives. A bright red hue called “grenadine” makes a fashion state-ment on the kitchen island, while cabinetry is made from a regionally producedash–one of the fastest growing hardwoods, and it touts a very light stain, with a lowVOC content, of course.
Now that the dust has settled and Heather has steered her attentions to landscapingprojects like choosing appropriate plantings to screen the large rainwater collection bar-rel in the sloped yard, Don remains especially proud of the home’s role in helping tospread the word about more responsible building practices and design decisions.“I think awareness is building,” he says, pointing to the Greater Dallas Home BuilderAssociation’s recent addition of a green building subcommittee and to the media atten-tion his daughter’s project has earned. “The community seems to be waking up to it.It’s been a long time coming though.”
It helps, he adds, that government entities are giving tax rebates and underwritingexpenses for water conservation products like tankless hot water heaters and solar heat-ing products. Additionally, thoughts of energy conservation and the environmentalimpacts of “old school” construction techniques may be seeping into the public con-sciousness because of higher energy costs and their painful effects on our wallets.
T H I S P A G E :ABOVE RIGHT: Large windows and French doors on the south side of the home con-tribute to passive solar heat and lead out from the kitchen and dining areas to a slenderporch overlooking a side yard. Photo courtesy Ferrier Custom Homes.
BELOW: The master bedroom, located downstairs, just off the kitchen, provides a serenespot for a cat nap. Here and elsewhere, the décor is simple, and windows and naturaldaylighting are plentiful.
house& home | August 2010 | house and home on l ine . com26
In a downstairs powder bath, a low-flush toilet accommodates water conservation whilea decorative niche in the wall proves the perfect spot for fresh roses cut from the yard.
Figures show that sustainability is not as expensive as its results areextensive. Green building may cost 5-10 percent more upfront, forinstance, but the payback in savings is usually realized within the first fiveyears. On average, sustainable features can pay for themselves10 timesover the life of the building.
In upcoming months, as Texas enters a troubling time of debateregarding energy consumption and future energy sources, this ParkerCounty prototype of green building may prove to be a more solid refer-ence point than imagined. On the heels of news that the American LungAssociation has given the DFW Metroplex an F rating (think “flunked”)for air quality control, the Texas legislature is considering a plan proposedby TXU and other utility companies to build16 coal-burning powerplants statewide, and to do so before new emissions control restrictionsaimed at protecting air quality can take effect.
In this environment, Heather’s house is a welcome and well-timedbreath of fresh air, providing a tangible reality check for both homeownersand builders considering future construction projects and their own con-servation efforts.
Modern styling and a black & white color scheme prevail upstairs where two smallbedrooms share a bath. Softness underfoot comes with a surprise, courtesy of PET(polyethylene terephthalate) carpet, a product commonly known as Pop Bottle Carpetsince its yarn is created from the reclaimed polyester resins of two-liter soda bottles andketchup containers. Made by Beaulieu, the product is reportedly thicker and more lux-urious than nylon carpet, with superior stain resistance.
27
B Y H A RV E Y M A R K S
Thinking green by installing energy-efficient doors and win-
dows is something any homeowner can feel good about, but
not just because of the benefits to the environment. Saving
energy also can be very good for your pocketbook. Research
shows that homeowners who replace single-pane glass win-
dows can save $125 to $340 on their annual cooling and
heating costs, and there are comparable, or in some cases,
even greater savings for doors.
A T T R A C T I V E W I N D O W S , D O O R S ,S C R E E N S A N D S H U T T E R S A D D T O
Y O U R H O M E ’ S A P P E A L A N D S U B T R A C T
F R O M Y O U R E N E R G Y B I L L
EFFICIENCY WITH STYLEBELOW: Pella Windows & Doors’ 250/450 Series wood sliding patio doors provide anenergy-efficient yet beautiful transition from the inside to the great outdoors. Pella alsocreates transom windows in a variety of quality materials and grille patterns.
ABOVE: Custom window fashions leader, Hunter Douglas, introduces its DuetteArchitella Collection, which includes honeycomb shades with additional air pockets tokeep heat in and cold out. The full line of Hunter Douglas products is available at RossHoward Designs and SmartLooks Window & Wall Decor.
house& home | August 2010 | house and home on l ine . com28
FEDERAL INCENTIVES
But if that’s not enough of an inducement, the federal government wants tomake the proposition even more attractive by offering tax credits of up to $500when you choose energy-efficient building products for your home-improve-ment projects.
Here’s how it works: When you upgrade your exterior windows in the two-year period between Jan. 1, 2006 and Dec. 31, 2007, you get to deduct 10 per-cent of the product cost up to $200. For exterior doors, the deduction also is10 percent, but the maximum amount rises to $500.
Your accountant can supply full details, but keep in mind that a tax creditis actually more valuable than a tax deduction. A tax deduction reduces theamount of your income that is subject to taxes. This $500 tax credit getsdeducted from the amount you actually pay.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Choosing energy-efficient replacement windows and doors can be a bit tricky ifyou don’t know the nomenclature. But fortunately, you only need to learn afew essential terms.
For starters, pay attention to U-factor ratings. These ratings are foundon standardized labels and measure the amount of heat that flowsthrough a product. The lower the U-factor number, the more energy effi-cient the product is.
You also should look for products that carry the Energy Star seal ofapproval. Energy Star is a voluntary labeling program sponsored by the U.S.
ABOVE: Stay cool in your sunroom surrounded by Simonton Windows’ Low-E glassin vinyl frames.
LEFT: With Jeld-Wen’s custom wood exterior doors, you can request your own designin a wide variety of wood species for a personalized creation, complete with energy-efficient components such as Low-E glass. The Energy Shop Inc. is a local distributorof Jeld-Wen products.
29
Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department ofEnergy. Qualified products are guaranteed to exceed minimumfederal standards for energy consumption or have other importantenergy-saving features.
Consider low-emissivity (Low-E) glass for your windows anddoors. Low-E refers to a transparent metallic coating applied toone surface of insulating glass. In the summer, Low-E treated glassdecreases the amount of heat that can enter your home and helpswith cooling costs. In the winter, it reflects interior heat back intothe home to help reduce heating bills.
WHAT TO BUY
Replacement windows and doors are available in numerous styleswith a wide range of attractive options. Jeld-Wen, the world’s lead-ing manufacturer of reliable windows and doors, offers severalproduct lines to help maximize energy savings and meet the crite-ria for a tax credit.
Simonton Windows manufactures high-quality vinyl windowsand patio doors that are guaranteed to resist pitting or peeling tokeep their beautiful appearance for years to come.
There’s also Pella Windows & Doors, America’s No. 1 windowand door replacement brand. The company provides consumerswith a wide range of attractive energy-efficient windows and doorsin styles ranging from classic to contemporary to basic.
And while you’re at it, why not think about ways you candress up your new windows while providing extra insulation?Hunter Douglas, the leading manufacturer and marketer of cus-
RIGHT:ThermaStar byPella 25 Seriesvinyl bay win-dows let youbring the outdoorsin year-roundproviding excel-lent energy effi-ciency with mini-mal mainte-nance.
BELOW:AndersenWindows &Doors’ double-hung windowsgive you extrainsulation whileadding anattractive archi-tectural elementto any room.Find Andersenproducts at TheHome Depot.
house& home | August 2010 | house and home on l ine . com30
tom energy-efficient window fashions in North America, has multiple lines of stylish shadings, sheers,louvers, blinds and shutters. Polywood interior shutters by Sunburst Shutters give you the rich look ofwood while insulating more efficiently and providing greater durability.
You also might want to consider making your existing windows, doors, skylights and otherglass areas more energy efficient with products that offer a noise-reduction bonus like Magnetite insu-lated windows. Developed at the National Science Foundation Innovation Center at theMassachusetts Institute of Technology in the 1970s in response to the energy crisis, Magnetite panelsare window covers that magnetically attach and seal to your window frames. The result: crystal-clear,unobtrusive protection from unwanted cold or heat.
If you’re working with a builder or contractor, you might want to take a look at the wide range ofquality windows, doors and other installation products and services available through BMC WestBuilding Materials, available here in Dallas and at locations throughout the western United States.
Whatever your choice, virtually any style of energy-efficient window or door is readily available.Best of all, along with beautifying your home, you’ll be helping to protect the environment while put-ting money back in your pockets through lower energy bills and a big federal tax credit. Energy-effi-cient windows and doors truly are products everyone can feel good about.
Pella Impervia single-hung windows are suited for virtually all climates, built to withstand extreme heat,cold and moisture conditions.
RESOURCESADAME WINDOWS & DOORS103 W. 9th St., Dallas, TX214.942.2254
ANDERSEN WINDOWS & DOORSwww.andersenwindows.com
BMC WESTwww.bmcwest.com
CURRENT ENERGY3103 Knox St., Dallas, TX469.533.7600Www.currentenergy.com
ELITE SHUTTERS ETCETERA214.878.5056www.eliteshutters.net
THE ENERGY SHOP INC.11401 Plano Rd., Dallas, TX 214.349.4588www.energyshopinc.com
THE HOME DEPOTwww.homedepot.com
ROSS HOWARD DESIGNS972.490.0088www.rosshoward.com
PELLA WINDOWS & DOORS2001 Coit Road, Ste. 164, Plano, TX801 Hanover, Ste. 600, Grapevine, TX 800.550.9135, www.pella.com
R&A SPECIALTIES800.924.2320, www.magnetite.net
SIMONTON WINDOWSwww.simonton.com
SMARTLOOKS WINDOW & WALL DECOR101 S. Greenville Ave.Richardson, TX972.699.1151www.smartlooksdecor.com
SUNBURST SHUTTERS10990 Petal St. #100 Dallas, TX 214.343.2601www.sunburstshutter.com
TEXAS BLIND & SHUTTER214.802.7143
TEX SUN SHADE & BLIND CO.972.279.0132www.tex-sun.com
house& home | August 2010 | house and home on l ine . com32
By ANDREA R IDOUT ADVERTOR I AL
Coops & The CityMany of you gentle readers may remember me from my former home improve-
ment radio show, Ask Andrea, or a column that I used to write for this magazine
called Andrea’s Choice. Last fall, I partnered up with Mother Earth News maga-
zine and launched a new program, Mother Earth News Radio. Since the show’s
inception, I feel like I have been in a crash course on country living, joining a
nationwide craze for all things sustainable. One of the most popular topics on the
show has now infiltrated my own home; pet chickens.
Why the recent resurgence in backyard barnyards? According to Troy
Griepentrog with Mother Earth News, “There are dozens of reasons to keep
a few hens in your backyard, including pest control and sheer entertainment.
Fresh eggs may be the most popular reason, and eggs from hens allowed to
do what comes naturally — roam and peck at grasses, weed seeds and bugs
— not only taste better, they’re better for you than eggs from cage-raised
hens. Free-range eggs are higher in vitamin E and beta carotene, and lower in
cholesterol.”
Quite a few north Texas residents agree. At a recent chicken coop tour in
East Dallas, close to 1,500 folks flew in to take a peep at the coops, many of
whom would have never imagined themselves as chicken owners until
recently. A local Chicken Meetup Group has close to 250 member families
and their meetings are often standing-room only.
If you’re thinking of joining the chicken revolution yourself, check with your
local municipality and homeowners’ association to make sure that they are
allowed. Hens are completely legal in most cities in the metroplex. Roosters
are usually not allowed (because of their crowing) nor are they needed unless
you intend to breed more chickens. Hens lay plenty of eggs without the
males’ involvement. If your town has an anti-chicken ordinance, try squawk-
ing a bit yourself. You might be able to change the laws.
Another important point – don’t run afoul of your neighbors. When your
hens begin to lay, why not take them a few eggs and let them know that
there will be more to come? You might even launch a neighborhood coop
club.
To get started with chickens, pick up some basic supplies; a coop, feeder,
waterer, and chicken feed. You’ll also need some chicks. Many local feed
stores such as Roach Feed and Seed in Garland carry them in season and
even nurseries like Northhaven Gardens are getting into the chick biz. A vari-
ety of books are also available on the topic. Check your local library, book-
store, Half Price Books or chicken supply dealer. Online research will yield
rich results as well.
33
Andrea Ridout is a DFW-based home improvement and lifestylesexpert. She is the host of Mother Earth News Radio on 1190-AMeach Saturday morning at 9 am. Also watch for her on Fox 4’sGood Day where she often showcases topics such as backyard chickens.She and her son are raising Bantam Orpingtons in east Dallas. Visitwww.MotherEarthNewsRadio.com for more info.
house& home | August 2010 | house and home on l ine . com34
The hot summer months are the perfect time to practicewater conservation in the landscape. During the summer,outdoor watering accounts for 40 percent to 60 percent ofall water use, and most of this is through poor watering prac-tices. To reduce water waste and encourage efficient wateruse, Dallas restricts outdoor watering April 1 through October31, and Fort Worth restricts outdoor watering June 1 throughSeptember 30. During these months, there is to be no land-scape watering between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. with the excep-tion of watering by hand or with soaker hoses.
C R E AT I N G
A
D R O U G H T-TO L E R A N T
L A N D S CA P E
B Y S T E V E H U D D L E S T O N
Four-nerve daisy, Tetraneurisscaposa. Photo courtesy G.A.Cooper, USDA-NRCS PlantsDatabase
and footprints will remain when it needs water.• When you water your lawn, water deeply. This promotes deep roots and healthy grass. An inch of applied water generally will penetrate the soil to a depth of 6 inches. A lawn needs an inch of water a week. • Let your grass grow taller during the summer. Taller grass holds moisture
better and slows down evaporation. Taller leaf blades will shade the roots, keeping them cooler.
THE 7 PRINCIPLES OF XERISCAPING
To create a water-conserving garden, follow the seven principles of xeriscaping. “Xeriscaping”comes from the Greek word “xeros,” which means dry. Contrary to many people’s perception, anxeriscape does not have to consist of rock and cactus. You can have a full and colorful landscape ifyou apply the following principles:
1. Start with a good design. Make a sketch of your yard. Show existing trees, shrubs andother plants, and locate underground utility lines. Decide on areas you want to plant low, moder-ate or typical water-use plantings.
2. Improve the soil. Test your soil before planting to determine its nutrient content. Soiltest kits are available from the Cooperative Extension Service or local nurseries. Selectsamples from many locations in your landscape, and then mix these samples for a com-posite sample. Otherwise, if you have a clay soil, rototill 3 inches of expanded shale intothe soil and then rototill 3 inches of aged compost into that mix. If you have sandy soil, justadd 3 inches of aged compost and rototill it in.
3. Use mulch. Mulch is any material — organic or inorganic — used as a soil covering toreduce soil moisture evaporation, inhibit weed growth and moderate soil temperature.Furthermore, mulch creates a finished look to beds. Organic mulches decompose and releasenutrients to the soil, thus reducing the need to apply commercial fertilizers. Apply mulch 2 inch-es to 4 inches deep around shrubs and trees and in flower beds.
4. Limit lawn areas. Grass requires more water than any other plant in the landscape.
WATER CONSERVATION TIPS
To eliminate water waste during rain or freeze conditions, Fort Worth requires rain andfreeze sensors on all residential irrigation systems installed on or after June 1, 2007. Existingcommercial underground irrigation systems are required to be retrofitted on or before June 1,2007. All new commercial irrigation systems installed after June 1, 2006, must include sen-sors.
CONSERVATION TIPS
Try the following outdoor watering tips to conserve even more water:• Maintain your sprinkler system. Repair any broken, missing or misdirected
sprinkler heads.• Don’t allow your sprinkler system to water driveways, sidewalks and streets.• Never water on windy days.• Water early in the morning to reduce wasteful evaporation.• Wash the car on the lawn to recycle the water. Use a bucket of soapy water and save the hose for rinsing.• Water your lawn only when it needs watering. The grass will turn an off color
35
Consider whether grass is necessary or whether a lower water-consuming plant or hard surfacesuch as a patio or deck might substitute for grass. Grasses for full sun, in descending order ofdrought tolerance, are buffalo grass, common bermuda, zoysia grass and St. Augustine. Indense shade, consider replacing turf with shade-tolerant ground covers.
5. Choose low water-use plants. Select native or adapted low water-use plants. There aremany native trees, shrubs, ground covers and perennials that perform beautifully in theDallas-Fort Worth area and look good in the landscape. The Fort Worth Botanic Garden fea-tures such plants at its north entrance and in the Water Conservation Garden just inside thenorth entrance.
6. Water efficiently. Let the plant’s condition, not the number of days since watering,determine when you should water. Water less frequently but deeper when you do water.Plants develop deeper root systems and withstand drought better if watered deeply. Striveto supply water as close to the root system as possible, such as through drip irrigation. Ifyou have overhead irrigation, run it early in the morning while the wind is calm and sothat foliage will dry off quickly.
7. Practice good maintenance. Fertilize in moderation since excessive fertilizationcauses excessive growth, which demands more water. Remove weeds to reduce competitionfor moisture and nutrients. Raise the height of the lawn mower.
RECOMMENDED DROUGHT-TOLERANT PLANTS
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Possumhaw holly, Ilex decidua; Russian sage, Perovskia atriplicifolia; Agarita, Mahonia trifoliolata. Photos courtesy USDA-NRCS Plants Database
PA
TR
ICK
J. A
LEX
AN
DE
RG
AR
YA
. M
ON
RO
E
LAR
RY
ALL
AIN
Rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis. Photo courtesy Ann McCormick
Trees• Desert willow, Chilopsislinearis• Eve’s necklace, Sophoraaffinis• Texas persimmon,Diospyros texana• Texas mountain laurel,Sophora secundiflora• Rusty blackhaw vibur-num, Viburnum rufidulum• Mexican plum, Prunusmexicana• Chaste tree, Vitex agnus-castus• Lacey oak, Quercuslaceyi/Q. glaucoides• Chinquapin oak, Quercusmuehlenbergii• Cedar elm, Ulmus crassifo-lia• Red oak, Quercus shu-mardii
Shrubs• Glossy abelia, Abelia xgrandiflora — several culti-vars• Autumn sage, Salvia greg-gii• Red yucca, Hesperaloeparviflora• Rosemary, Rosmarinusofficinalis• Texas sage, Leucophyllum
frutescens• Agave, several species• Yaupon holly, Ilex vomito-ria• Possumhaw holly, Ilexdecidua• Agarita, Mahonia trifolio-lata
Perennials• Catmint, Nepeta x faasenii‘Walker’s Low’• Russian sage, Perovskiaatriplicifolia• Lantana horrida• Pink skullcap, Scutellariasuffrutescens• Sundrops, Calylophushartwegii• Wormwood, Artemisiaarborescens ‘Powis Castle’• Turk’s cap, Malvaviscusarboreus var. drummondii• Xexmenia, Widelia hispida• Four-nerve daisy,Tetraneuris scaposa
Grass• Buffalo grass, Buchloedactyloides (lawn grass)• Lindheimer’s muhly,Muhlenbergia lindheimeri• Mexican feather grass,Nasella tenuissima
AA WWeeeekkeenndd AAwwaayy iiss cclloosseerr tthhaann yyoouu mmiigghhtt tthhiinnkk..SSttaarrtt YYoouurr AAddvveennttuurree aatt GGrraappee CCrreeeekk RRaanncchh..
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