January 28, 2026
Last November, I photographed several Austin gardens designed by landscape architect Curt Arnette of Sitio Design, who’s also an old friend and former neighbor. Between my book tour schedule and the holidays, I didn’t find time to edit those photos until January — an excellent winter project. With Curt’s and the owners’ permission, I’ll give you a peek into several beautifully designed private gardens by one of the most talented garden makers in Austin.
Let’s start with this New Orleans-inspired walled garden in central Austin. Recycled brick — faded red with a little gray and traces of old paint in robin’s egg blue — encloses a paved courtyard with a tiered fountain.
The splashing fountain muffles the noise of highway traffic a couple blocks away.
Green foliage — Texas dwarf palmetto, ‘Feather Falls’ sedge, foxtail fern — provides serene lushness. Nothing fussy here, just what works in a good deal of shade.
Creeping tendrils of fig ivy green up the walls.
An arched doorway with a lacy iron gate echoes three inset arches on the fountain wall.
A tall screen of green-black shutters hides something — maybe a utility box? — and adds more NOLA style.
Side view of the fountain
Graceful fountain detail
Elegant, white-cushioned seating on one side of the courtyard is shaded by yellow-trimmed green parasols. Curt added dark-green planter boxes atop the back wall for more height and privacy.
Under those lily pad-green parasols
Paving detail with greened-up silver ponyfoot
Palmetto, sedge, fig ivy, and the timeworn elegance of old New Orleans — what a magic trick for an Austin backyard.
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Digging Deeper
My new book, Gardens of Texas: Visions of Resilience from the Lone Star State, is here! Find it on Amazon, other online book sellers, and in stores everywhere. It’s for anyone who loves gardens or the natural beauty of Texas. More info here.
Come see me on tour! I’ll be speaking and hosting book events across Texas this spring to celebrate the release of Gardens of Texas. Join me to learn, get inspired, and say hello!
Learn about garden design and ecology at Garden Spark! I organize in-person talks by designers, landscape architects, authors, and gardeners a few times a year in Austin. Subscribe to Garden Spark by clicking here to email — subject line: SUBSCRIBE.
All material © 2026 by Pam Penick for Digging. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited.
