From Raw Land to PBS: The Story of Katie Bird Farm

Welcome to Katie Bird Farm, our not-so-secret 3-acre garden paradise on the southwest edge of Austin at 8414 Indian Summit. If you’ve ever wondered what happens when two master gardeners, one a retired teacher & one a tech-loving Realtor (me), some clucky chickens, two miniature donkeys, and a chocolate lab & a house kitty all share a few acres of love and sunlight—well, it looks a lot like this.

Katie Bird Farm isn’t just a house with a garden. It’s a living, breathing, blooming story. It’s where we experiment, nurture, fail, try again, and celebrate the beauty of native plants, well-loved soil, and yes—an occasional photobombing chicken.

But before the blooms, came the chaos.

A little history, because stories matter

Back in 2011, we bought this land as untouched Hill Country rawness—three acres of cedar thicket and potential. It took us a full year just to clear it, including removing 450 dead or dying cedar trees (yes, we counted). We literally had to cut our way through just to see what we had.

We dreamed big and brought in architect Stuart Sampley, who helped us design something rooted in the land, modern but warm. Then Nalle Custom Homes built it—no small feat when Mother Nature had other plans.

We survived two major floods early on. One 16" rainstorm wiped out our freshly poured driveway, on the day the moving van was supposed to arrive.

The mucky washed-out drive; the Mini Cooper was marooned on the property for a week.

Another washed all the topsoil from our brand-new septic field right into the neighbor’s pool (hello, awkward conversation).

Despite all that, we stuck with it. And then we started planting.

We’ve personally designed and built 35 unique gardens here, each with its own purpose, personality, and little bit of soul. What used to be thick brush is now a curated sanctuary full of pollinators, native plants, fruit trees, secret trails, shady hideouts, funky art and sun-soaked beauty.

It’s wild and intentional all at once—a true sanctuary on the edge of Austin.

Take a peek behind the garden gate...

each of these articles & episodes will give you a great feel for this special property.

First, PBS

Start with this gem from PBS’s Central Texas Gardener. We filmed this episode right before the pandemic hit, then the KUT studio shut down ... so it took a couple years for this episode to air. Fun story, one of my buyer clients was in town house hunting & stumbled upon a rerun of the episode in some down time in his hotel room... it's one sure way to impress your client.

Next: A chicken mini-series

Then we have this episode on Cooped Up: coping during quarantine with chickens on TUBI. Watch the entire series, it's a delicious dive into chicken-friendly gardens around the country. You’ll find our little slice of paradise on episode 3 starting at 15:40, though honestly, the whole show (8 episodes) is a treat.

Next stop: The Inside Austin Garden Tour

Katie Bird Farm was honored to be selected for the Inside Austin Garden Tour in May 2024. We had 450 visitors on the property in one day. If you’ve never done the tour, it’s a local rite of spring and a feast for the senses. You’ll meet passionate, dirt-under-the-nails Master Gardeners like us who open up their yards, their plant lists, and their hearts to anyone looking for a little inspiration.

And then there’s Pam.

Pam Penick is the Beyoncé of Austin garden blogging. Her blog Digging is a treasure trove for anyone trying to make peace with caliche soil and triple-digit summers. She's visited and written about Katie Bird Farm, twice, and we became friends in the process. Her eye, her words—she just gets what we’re doing here. Check her out and prepare to fall into a beautiful rabbit hole of design and landscape love.

Come learn, linger, and be inspired

Whether you're a Realtor who needs a break from negotiating, a city dweller dreaming of a chicken coop, or just someone who appreciates good dirt & some garden inspiration, we invite you to explore, share, and grow alongside us.

Katie Bird Farm isn’t some perfectly pruned show garden—it’s a wild, joyful mix of dirt, dreams, and drama. Around here, we celebrate color, courage, and a little chaos. Whether you’re a plant nerd, garden newbie, or just in it for the eye candy, you’re welcome. No judgment—just inspiration. So poke around, steal some ideas, and go grow something. And remember ... mulch, some compost & a little fresh air fixes almost everything.

– Julie & Kay