Congratulations to our July Yard of the Month: Lanna & Greg von Baden at 431 W. 18th

The property at 431 W. 18th owned by Lanna and Greg von Baden used to be ugly warehouses with poor soil. Upon completion of the von Baden’s New Orleans Creole Style home in 2001, they wanted appropriate landscaping to go with their home. Initially, they worked with Oscar Comancho with Comancho Landscaping who suggested Cypress trees because of the New Orleans style architecture on the home. At that time the trees were small and the yard was planted with sun-loving plants along with the improvement of the soil.

Over the years the Cypress trees grew and they enlisted the help of Bill Salario with William Salario Landscape Design, Inc. to evolve from sun-loving plants to shade-loving plants. Bill took the plantings to the next level and provided maintenance as needed. The goal was always to have native plants that were good for the environment and hospitable for nature including aromatics attracting birds, butterflies, and bees. A water fountain sourced from Sam Gianukos during his Bali venture was added. 

After Bill Salario’s retirement, they turned to Kyle McGloughlin with Set Roots to continue the natural planting tradition. Kyle helps with seasonal plantings twice a year. The current mix from Kyle includes Euphorbia in the front pots, ligularia in the front bed, Pride of Barbados – the tree with orange flowers, Foxtail Ferns, Varigated Ginger, Pentas, Angelonia and Canna Lilies.

“We’re honored to have been selected for July Yard of the Month.”—Lanna and Greg von Baden

We would like to thank Joshua’s Native Plants for the very nice gift certificate awarded to our July yard of the month recipients. Joshua’s is located here in the Heights at 502 West 18th St.