5. The Garden of Mary Bakatsa
     4000 Moon Shadow Cove, Austin 78735

Directions: South on Mo-Pac to Southwest Parkway. Turn right onto SW Parkway. Go to Republic of Texas Blvd. (entrance to Travis Country) and make a right. Travel about 2 miles. Left at Moon Shadow Drive, and then right at Moon Shadow Cove.

The gardens of this properly reflect the interests of the owners and have been an 18 year project, beginning when they were students at the University of Texas. A large producing grapefruit tree in front of the house actually dates from that time, while the lot was selected for the proposed garden. There are olive trees from California, and the producing apple trees, espaliered in a French design. Organic gardening, combined with an interest in French food gardens, has resulted in a charming, prolific garden site. Native plants intermix with the exotic.

There are solar panels on the roof, water collection in place, compost bins, and of course an abundance of native wildlife. Over 40 varieties of butterflies and moths have been identified on the property, and the owner takes delight in planting extra dill, parsley and fennel just for them. The methods this gardener uses are trial and error, and she has proven that plants adapt a lot faster than we have given them credit for.

This property is a Wildlife Habitat and also designated as a City of Austin Green Garden.

Scheduled Activities:

• 12 noon
  What is a Green Garden by Denise Delaney, Grow Green Coordinator, City of Austin
  
  
• 1 pm
  Butterflies in Your Garden by Leslie Pool, Habitat Steward, National Wildlife Federation