Today we’d like to introduce you to Donnie And Riley Poston
Hi Donnie and Riley, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Shangri Lot was the nickname of our backyard. It comes from the idea that we can create paradise, instead of searching for it. Thus the slogan, “Paradise With What You Got!”
Our homes should be our place to get away, relax, and appreciate our piece of the planet.
The business grew organically. We were fortunate to start with great clients. They were willing to work along with us, and liked our concepts on both design, and gardening.
Our designs focus on utilizing the setting. No two designs are alike. Along with the landscapes and spaces we create, our approach, and meeting the clients wishes, have helped us to gain attention. We love what we do.
We have to thank our clients and local nurseries, Shangri Lot has grown fast, no pun intended. We have a great network of friends and folks involved in local businesses that focus on gardening, and best practices for our environment.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No.
In any business, it takes a lot of time and effort to even get off the ground. You are constantly searching for the next project.
We have been lucky to get some sites that were multi phased. It gave us some stability.
Some of the struggles were typical of any business. How to make it while you build it.
In terms of landscape design, our main focus is unique design and installations. The biggest struggle we faced was the offseason, as it were. We pivoted to hardscape and rejuvenating old garden beds, installing new hardscape elements, etc., in the Winter months.
It has worked out better than we expected. Winter has been very busy this year. It also meant expanding our skills and finding crew that could handle some of the things the two of us could not. Masonry for example.
We had to build up our reputation and site references, to get the business moving in the direction we wanted. In other words, getting to a point where we are able to be a little more selective on what projects we take on.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Shangri Lot is based on our love of gardening, and creating beautiful spaces. Our designs focus on utilizing the setting. No two designs are the same. We approach each property as a unique setting. Work with what is available. Incorporate the elements of the space into the design. Our expert knowledge of what plants and trees work in our environment, allows us to create any setting.
We treat landscape design like interior design. Attention to details. We design landscapes that flow with the property, connect with the soul of the land. We work closely with our clients to include elements they desire. How will they use the space? We also stay in touch with all of our clients. We let them know how to prepare for weather events, check in to see how the landscape is doing. We are always available if they have any questions. Each element of our designs has a purpose. From soil to treetops, we know what is going on.
We specialize in Xeriscape gardening. It is important to know the Hill Country environment. Tough soils, weather extremes, limited water, deer, etc. Our goal is to show our clients that it is possible to have beautiful and sustainable landscapes in our conditions. Each space can be its own mini-environment.
Xeriscape can be cacti to tropical in design. It is a matter of plant selection, proper watering, and good soil. The range of selections in Native and non-invasive adaptive plants is vast. All of our designs are low water, low maintenance.
We highly emphasize soil health and best environmental practices. We amend our site soils. It shows in the results.
We stand apart in combining our knowledge of native and non-invasive adaptive plants, how to manage our water and soil conditions, to create unique landscapes.
Along with the garden expertise, we provide all of the hardscape elements in our designs. Stonework, patios, pathways, borders, water features, and much more. These are similar to your home, before you move in. The blank spaces, floors, walls, are like your landscape elements. It should look good bare. We work closely with our clients to choose the right stone, mulch, path materials, and details, will work with their space.
Another thing that sets us apart is giving our clients the advice and information they need, to properly care for their landscapes. Chemicals and pesticides are highly discouraged. We let nature do the work.
We use and recommend natural fertilizers, organic compost, and pest control, for both plants and soil health.
Watering method is a big part of our success. We give our clients specific watering instructions. Our watering methods and schedules use less water, with better results.
We take great joy is seeing a design go from paper to property. It is art meets nature.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
My grandparents had a ranch out near Hamilton Pool. It was settled in the 1860’s by my great great grandfather. It was a large ranch, with beautiful land. It still had all of the old original buildings, old horse drawn farm tools left in the fields, and in the original corral stable, was the wagon my PaPa rode in as a kid, in the early 1900’s. Those elements together, nature, wildlife, and the history of the place, in a mostly natural setting, made a lasting impression on me. The beauty of the native landscapes, with man made elements telling a story.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shangrilotdesign.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shangri_lot/
Image Credits
All Images Shangri Lot LLC
