In our latest Garden Club episodes, we had the pleasure of visiting Joshua’s remarkable garden. Joshua, who runs an outdoor design and landscape business, has turned his home garden into a personal project, reflecting his lifetime passion for plants and landscape design. Living in his current home since 2020, Joshua has created a sanctuary in a small space, maximizing the impact of each of his three small yards.

The Side Yard: A Pollinator and Perennial Paradise

Joshua’s side yard is a pollinator and perennial-focused garden, where every plant and path is placed with intention. His Zinnias, for instance, offer a mix of varieties, some of which return each year, while others do not. Celosia, on the other hand, reseeds itself, ensuring a continuous splash of color. Located in a protected spot, Joshua’s garden benefits from the reflective south sun, creating a microclimate that is a zone warmer than typical Amarillo weather.

The side yard also boasts Verbena, which reliably returns each year, and a delightful mix of hybrid roses. One of the standout features is a character-filled path lined with creeping thyme, which blooms in shades of purple and pink.

A Tranquil Koi Pond

In a corner of the garden, Joshua has created a serene koi pond, home to six koi fish and adorned with water lilies. While the pond does ice over in the winter, Joshua keeps the water circulating to prevent it from freezing completely. The pond is a thriving ecosystem, filled with a variety of plants such as Frogbit, dwarf papyrus, arrowhead, water iris, and corkscrew rush.

Unique Plants and a Funky Tree

Joshua’s creativity shines through in his plant combinations. One of his favorites is a pot filled with papyrus, apricot hibiscus, and angel vine. The garden is also shaded by a twisty babyback locust tree, which adds a funky, ornamental touch. Initially, Joshua intended to bonsai the tree, but its growth inspired him to let it flourish naturally. Adding to the whimsy, a Passionflower vine climbs up the trellis and into the tree, creating a harmonious coexistence that enhances the garden’s unique character.

Natural Insect Control: Chickens to the Rescue

In the second episode, Joshua introduced us to his natural method of insect control—chickens. These “insect patrol bird ladies,” specifically a Bantam Blue Cochin, are let out to roam the garden for an hour to an hour and a half each day. They love feasting on grasshoppers and caterpillars, providing effective and eco-friendly insect control.

Sculpted Shrubs and Mosquito Control

Joshua’s garden also features a semi-circle row of evergreen shrubs as foundational plantings, flanked by lilacs that beautifully frame the space. Four of these shrubs are being sculpted into ball shapes, adding a touch of artistry to the garden. To keep mosquitoes at bay, Joshua has strategically planted lemongrass and citronella throughout his garden.

A Kaleidoscope of Art and Nature

One of the most unique features in Joshua’s garden is a kaleidoscope created by local artist David Corbin. Originally made for one of Joshua’s clients, Joshua loved it so much that he commissioned one for himself. The kaleidoscope, designed in a sun and moon shape, points into a succulent dish garden filled with plants and crystals, adding an element of artistic wonder to the space. (And yes, Jordi is now dreaming of having one for her anniversary!)

You can watch Joshua’s Garden Club videos here:
No. 1 – Instagram, Facebook, Youtube
No. 2 – Instagram, Facebook, Youtube

Joshua’s garden is a testament to his skill as a designer and his passion for creating beautiful, functional outdoor spaces. Whether you’re looking for inspiration for your own garden or simply enjoy seeing how others bring their green spaces to life, these episodes of Garden Club are sure to delight and inspire.