Taniguchi Garden Stream Bed, Austin, TX

Mahler’s 5-level stream bed design at the Taniguchi Garden at Zilker Park, with pipes hidden under bridges and native riparian and shade plants was inspired by the stunning limestone stream beds and waterfalls typical of central Texas.  The demonstration garden includes more than 100 native plant varieties, such as heartleaf skullcap, sedges, clover ferns, maiden hair ferns, and other plants chosen for their riparian tendencies and preference for growing in the shade of the large heritage live oak trees that shelter much of the area.  In the sunny areas, Mahler chose native asters and grasses that will not need to be fertilized to succeed long term.