The GardenOwl Audits
Deep-dive diagnostics, design critiques, and visual master plans to solve your toughest landscape challenges.
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How to Protect Ugly Water Meters From Mowers (and Make Them Look Designed on Purpose)
Tired of mowers smashing your water meters? See how we regraded, reshaped, and rocked this awkward square into a clean, mower-proof landscape feature.
How Much Rock You Can Leave Under a New Lawn (Without Killing the Grass)
Tearing out an old gravel strip for a simple dog‑potty lawn? Here’s how deep you actually need to dig, how much rock can stay, and how to fix that low drain.
Full‑Sun Pool in Southeast Texas: How to Get Real Shade and Privacy Without Trashing the Water
Southeast Texas pool yard in brutal sun? Here’s a case study on using small trees, evergreen screening, and tough tropicals to cool it down and hide the fence.
Turning a Beige Stucco Box into a Cozy Cottage: Paint & Plant Fixes That Actually Work
How to repaint a flat stucco exterior for true cottage “grandma house” charm, plus the simple hedge and planting changes that sell the look from the street.
Turning a 70s Guest House From ‘Utility Box’ to Welcoming Entry Court
How we used a wider walk, layered native planting, and a simple wood screen to turn a blank 70s guest house façade into real curb appeal.
That Annoying Gap Beside Your Step: How to Block It Properly (So It Never Washes Out Again)
Got an ugly gap beside a concrete step and garden bed? Here’s how to fill it with a solid edge that holds soil and stone, and actually looks built-in.