The first Heights Garden Tour of the year is happening on Saturday, April 13, from 10-11 AM at 1237 Bay Oaks, the home of Shirley York-Jones.

When designing and then building this new home of five years, its location presented several issues that had to be dealt with. The front yard is flat and spacious, allowing for manicured hedges, and colorful flower beds circulating well established trees. A water fountain graces the front steps and a lovely Millettia Reticulata (evergreen wisteria) Vine has been trained to span the width of the garage doors.

The side yard and back of the house presented an entirely different approach to landscaping. They slope down into a ravine known as Turkey Gulley, collecting runoff water from the overflowing tributaries that feed into White Oak Bayou.

There are occasional sightings of a turtle or two, and rumor has it that an endangered species may reside in the Gulley. Here, Shirley has planted trees and plants that can tolerate the occasional flooding. She has a producing orange tree, beautiful magnolia and a fragrant almond tree. Entrance to the side yard takes you through an oriental feeling Arbor, where you are greeted with yard art. Shirley has put in natural stone steps that take you down, lower onto the property. You follow a stone path, past a sculpture and then onto another water feature with various plantings.

The Heights Garden Club suggests that you wear shoes that are comfortable and sturdy for navigating the few narrow stone steps. They are not that steep, but some sandals may be slippery and not offer the best footing. Mrs. Jones has graciously extended the use of her porch, which is slightly cantilevered over the side yard and ravine. The tropical feeling porch offers a wonderful bird’s eye view of the side yard.

As usual, these garden tours are free. The tour starts at 10 am and will last for about an hour. Mrs. Jones will be on hand to answer your questions.