Landscaping and Training

Getting Started

1. Read background information on creating a green garden

• Evaluate what you already have in your landscape, and create a clear road map to what you would like to achieve.
• Begin with the end in mind!

2. Map your property

• Manually draw or use online tools to map existing structures, vegetation, utilities, etc.

3. Evaluate your site

• Look at sunlight, slope, and drainage

4. Check your soil depth and type

• Amend the soil, if needed
• Consider raised beds if soil is compacted or shallow

5. Call before you dig

• Call 811 to identify underground utilities before planting or building

6. Come up with a plan

• Save existing desirable plants
• Plan to keep water on the land: Rain Gardens

7. Choose the right plants

• Plant native and well-adapted species to attract wildlife: Plant Guide
• Avoid invasive plants
• Use a diversity of species

8. Get inspired

• Visit local gardens
• Place an order for Landscape Design Templates

Landscape Professional Training

Training Videos

• View the 2020 Grow Green Landscape Professionals Training playlist
• View the Grow Green Landscape Professionals playlist

Additional Resources

Irrigation, Rain Gardens, & Rainwater Harvesting

Learn how to water efficiently:

• Email the program coordinator to request the Earth-wise Guide to Irrigation 

Use shallow planted areas to absorb and filter rainwater:

• Rain Gardens (City of Austin)
• Email the program coordinator to request the Earth-wise Guide to Rain Gardens

Collect and reuse rainwater:

• Texas Water Development Board: Rainwater Harvesting Documents

Hire a Pro 

Email the program coordinator to request the Earth-wise Guide to Hiring a Landscaping Professional 

Home Landscaping & Wildlife Habitats

Explore the City’s resources to help you create your earth-wise garden:

• Rebates, free stuff and grants  

Home landscaping from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension: 

• Planning the Home Landscape
• Landscaping for Energy Conservation
• Landscape for Water Conservation

Create a yard that supports local wildlife:

• Audubon.org
• Best of Texas Backyard Wildlife Habitats (Texas Parks & Wildlife & National Wildlife Federation)
• Travis Audubon
• Wildlife Austin (Austin Parks and Recreation)
• Wildscapes (Texas Parks & Wildlife) 

Low Impact Development (LID)

Design techniques that reduce runoff and protect water quality: 

• Low Impact Development Center
• Low Impact Development (US EPA Polluted Runoff)
• Center for Watershed Protection

City of Austin Criteria Manuals

• Technical Criteria Manuals for the City of Austin Land Development Code
• Environmental Criteria Manual – Section 1.6.0 (Design guidelines for water quality controls)