Best Named Streets in Katy

When Lisa Lance had a putting green installed in her Katy backyard as a gift to her husband Ryan, she knew it would be a wonderful enhancement to their home. What she didn’t realize is how much the kids and all their friends would enjoy practicing from the sand trap and putting from the green. “It started out as my husband’s Christmas present, and now the kids are always out here,” says Lisa. “During our parties, the kids have putting contests.”

Many Katy homeowners enjoy nothing more than making their homes look spectacular; now that desire for beauty is extending into the backyard. Homeowners can create outdoor living spaces to enjoy their hobbies, relax and unwind, or entertain friends and neighbors. Take a look at some of these features spotted in nearby Katy neighborhoods.

Waterfalls Add Ambience
Pools are the most popular backyard feature in our area, and a waterfall or natural slide can make the pool look like a part of the landscaping. Natural boulders, stones, and the sound of a waterfall can add ambience to a backyard. Janet Waid agrees, “I listen to the waterfall, and think I’m on vacation.” With tropical plants and special lighting, this look can definitely add the “wow” factor. Judy McPherson’s pool has a natural stone waterfall that is beautiful and functional. “It masks the road noise,” says Judy. “The noise of the waterfall is especially important if you are near a busy street.” After the stones were used to build her waterfall, she used the remaining stones as plant borders and accents.

Outdoor Kitchens Make Entertaining a Breeze
Fully equipped outdoor kitchens are the hottest trend in backyard living spaces, with options including built-in grill, mini fridge, warming oven, sink, storage, ice bin, and serving bar. “The ice bin can hold anything from drinks to shrimp,” says Lisa Lance. Her outdoor kitchen is complete with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, retractable awning, and a raised bar for guests to relax and enjoy the natural setting and view of the Buffalo Bayou surrounding her yard.

Shade Makes Summer Bearable
What could be more important in Katy, Texas than shade? Arbors, pergolas, umbrellas, and awnings can make the outdoors bearable in the heat of summer. For Linda Lummus, who had her arbor built by Custom Outdoors, vines and climbing roses soften the look. She explains, “the arbor is covered with flowers in the spring, and the flowers attract hummingbirds in both spring and fall. The addition of the shade arbor has completely transformed the way we entertain. It has significantly increased our enjoyment and usage of our backyard.”

Resort Style Backyards
After a trip to Cancun, Jamie Campbell was determined to recreate the resort feel in his backyard. He and his wife Carol had their unique Palapa (Mexican hut) built over their outdoor kitchen. “It creates a different look,” says Carol, whose backyard has a resort feel, complete with a beach entry pool, Laguna waterfall, slide, cave, and swim-up bar stools.

View Brings Wildlife Home
For anyone lucky enough to have the right location, a view in Katy can reveal some awesome wildlife. Lisa Lance’s bayou view offers a special feature every night at dusk. “The white egrets come in to nest for the night, and we can see them from our yard. I love watching them.”

Tropical Plants are Functional and Beautiful
Plants can serve many different purposes – added privacy along the fence line, shade, color, or texture. Janet Waid added King Palms along her fence line for privacy while her neighbor Carol Campbell added Giant Timber bamboo. Janet explains, “we love our neighbors, but we also want privacy.” Enrique Rangel of Rangel Landscaping says, “the customer usually knows what plants they like. They want green color, all year.” This usually means tropicals, because they can take the heat, they are low maintenance, and they remain green all winter. Judy McPherson’s oleanders are green all year and soften the look of her waterfall, making the look even more natural.

Sprinkler Systems Keep Everything Green
Automated watering systems can ease the workload of tending plants. While most sprinkler systems water the turf and shrubs, Janet Waid’s system waters the potted plants as well. The pots are connected to the sprinkler system, allowing her to sit back, relax, and enjoy her yard. Backyards in Katy run the full range from simple turf and plants to the complete outdoor living spaces. Whatever your
budget or needs, you are sure to enjoy your backyard more as you customize it to suit your family’s interests.

Katy Area Backyard Resources

Advanced Siding
28085 Morton Road
Katy, Texas
281-391-7979
www.advancedsiding.com

Landscaping and Sprinkler Systems

James Irrigation
Houston, TX
281-855-4477

Artisan Pool & Embellishment
Services, Inc.
930A South Mason Road
Katy, Texas
281-395-2737
www.apespools.com

Pleasure Pools
Katy, TX
281-693-7565
www.pleasurepoolshou.com

Richard’s Total
Backyard Solutions
1701 Highway 6 South
Houston, Texas 77077
713-777-7665
www.totalbackyardsolutions.com

Sunset Pools, Inc.
Katy, TX
281-693-4896
www.sunsetpoolsinc.com

Pamela Hammel is a freelance writer, Katy resident, and mother of three boys.