August 25, 2025

A flash of movement caught my eye through the window a few days ago. Glancing out at the patio fountain, I was surprised to see a hawk cooling its heels — a juvenile, possibly a Cooper’s, a birding friend told me.

I’m pretty sure the hawk saw me too, as it kept a wary eye turned my way for a minute.

Thirst overcame wariness, and it dipped its beak to the bubbling water several times.

I snapped a few photos through the glass and window screen.

And then it leapt into the air, a sparkle of droplets in its wake.

It didn’t go far — just to a live oak by the back fence. I went outside and took a few more photos with my zoom lens from a respectful distance. It mostly faced away, staring intently at the ground behind the fence. Then it dove and disappeared from view. A pounce! Go get ’em, hawk.

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Digging Deeper

Want ideas for your yard besides lawn? Sure you do! I’m giving a talk called “Lawn Gone: 8 Great Ideas for Your Yard” on Saturday, September 13, at the Concho Valley Master Gardeners Fall Symposium in San Angelo, Texas. The cost for the all-day symposium with 4 speakers is $30 per person; refreshments and lunch included. Register by 9/10 at this link to attend. I hope to see you there, West Texas homeowners and gardeners!

My new book, Gardens of Texas: Visions of Resilience from the Lone Star State, comes out October 14! It’s available for pre-order now on Amazon and other online book sellers. If you’d like to read it or give it as a holiday gift, please consider pre-ordering. (I’m happy to sign pre-ordered copies at my book events!) Early orders make a big difference in helping new books get noticed. More info about Gardens of Texas here — and thank you for your support!

Come see me on tour! I’ll be speaking and hosting book events across Texas this fall and into next spring to celebrate the release of Gardens of Texas. Join me to learn, get inspired, and say hello!

Come learn about gardening and design at Garden Spark! I organize in-person talks by inspiring designers, landscape architects, authors, and gardeners a few times a year in Austin. These are limited-attendance events, so join the Garden Spark email list for notification when tickets go on sale: click this link and ask to SUBSCRIBE. Read all about the Season 9 lineup here!

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