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Dramatic Danger Garden makes a point to welcome visitors from Portland Garden Bloggers Fling

The Portland Garden Bloggers Fling this summer delivered on every level. I love visiting gardens all around the country and getting to know so many of the garden bloggers that I follow online.

Learning about new plants from different zones is sometimes a double-edged sword. After falling love with them, I realize they are not appropriate for my garden, and I’m forced to walk away from them at local nurseries because they don’t make the survivability cut for my suitcase.

But not so in Danger Garden‘s amazing landscape. Filled with agaves and yuccas and cacti that will not only grow but thrive in my Central Texas garden, it was dangerous indeed. The danger – that I will come home inspired to search for many of the fascinating plants in her garden.

Garden bloggers prepare for the big tour – cameras at the ready!

Succulents like these like plenty of drainage — pea gravel and decomposed granite make excellent growing mediums for them.

We were welcomed to the garden with refreshing cold drinks and snacks. A blistering hot day (for Portland and an outdoor garden tour) seemed appropriate as we ooohed and aaahed over Danger Garden’s heat-loving plants.

With space at a premium in this garden, container vegetables lined the driveway.

Pavers and bricks and patio stones created unique design angles to lead visitors through the garden and provide contrast to neighboring plants.

Leaving no area empty, trendy and perky hanging planters were scattered throughout the garden.

A riot of color and form, many non-succulent plants provided a softer foil to the more dangerous elements in the garden.

A small square of grass provides a place for the eye to rest while feasting on all the delightful plant specimens that surround it.

Agaves, yuccas and … hostas? Yep – these water and shade-loving plants work side-by-side in this garden.

So many unique succulents to see.

Tucked in the back is a Zen-like covered patio area for relaxing.

These shiny metal planters give height and interest to the sea of succulents.

And pots — pots everywhere. Each and every one different.

With clean lines and a contemporary feel, the patio offers a peaceful respite from the sun.

No empty spaces, here, either…

A unique horizontal fence is flanked in the back corner of the garden by tall plants of every conceivable kind.

Even within a bed, containers showcase specimen plants.

Little pops of color make me smile.

This bed looks like a miniature forest of tiny succulents.

The biggest danger in this garden? Falling in love with the wonderful plants and the delightful design.

By Diana C. Kirby|2017-11-29T23:27:06-06:00August 3rd, 2014|agaves, Blog, color, container gardening, containers, garden decor, hanging basket, planters, pots, pottery, Sharing Nature's Garden, succulents, yucca|0 Comments

Hot art and design spice up Portland De Sousa Fling garden

Full to the brim with ideas and a mile-long wish list of plants that I know I can’t grow here, I’m reacclimating to Austin and my own garden after 6 glorious days in Portland, OR.

My seventh Garden Bloggers Fling beckoned last weekend – with an agenda full of great friends, gardens, nurseries, and gift shops.

The whirlwind started early and ended late and wowed me all day long every day. Because there were so many gardens in every imaginable style – I just closed my eyes today and blindly picked one to begin my posting.

The JJ De Sousa garden was one of my favorites. Hot colors created a riot of interest in the garden – plants and art and seating everywhere shouting “look at me, look at me.” The rich and sophisticated hues of tropical colors were designed to brighten the shady spots of this garden and to celebrate the hot, sunny spaces.

This whimsical gate welcomes visitors.

The colors of the tropics permeate everything in the garden, plants, pottery and decor.

The plants looked happy and healthy everywhere I turned. Ah, the benefits of some rain in the garden.

Pots and gazing balls coordinate and contrast.

The side garden ends with a fabulous wooden gate — which leads to another pocket of paradise.

Come on in, the party’s in here!

More whimsical art sets the mood for this garden.

Every little nook and cranny was filled with some sweet something designed to delight the senses.

This precious little statue is squirreling away succulents instead of seeds.

This regal Egyptian dog statue comes down to earth with clematis and nasturtiums trailing all around.

These tall, elegant vases, capped with aeonium, added a little note of sophistication.

One of many seating areas that welcomed visitors to sit a spell.

Color joined texture in this garden — smooth ceramic pots, gritty gray concrete and the sleek look of the corrugated tin made a cool combo.

Ahhh – I could sit here for hours!

And, a little humor. Chicken nesting boxes now home to hens and chicks … ha ha.

And just past the shrimp plant in this bed, a colorful stock tank water feature with a metal shrimp sculpture and glass globes. Look up whimsy in the dictionary — this is the photo you’ll find.

The same burst of colors that enriched the shady front garden, with a drier, sunnier twist.

More whimsy around the corner.

This Buddha statue, hidden among the trees, looked just like a giant gummi bear.

There were little vignettes like this everywhere.

More color, radiating everywhere.

And back through the gate again.

This was one of many Portland gardens on the tour to feature trendy tropical-style colors and decor. But beyond the design, this hot garden would brighten any cloudy day. It certainly brightened mine.

By Diana C. Kirby|2016-04-14T02:39:25-05:00July 15th, 2014|2014 garden bloggers fling, aeonium, Blog, coleus, color, garden bloggers fling, garden decor, garden tour, gate, metal sculpture, Portland, pottery, seating, shade plants, Sharing Nature's Garden, succulents, tropical, tropical color|0 Comments

Beautiful Austin gardens on Wildflower Center tour inspire with details and structure…

One of my annual Mother’s Day treats — the day before Mother’s Day — is to spend the day on the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center’s annual garden tour with my garden blogging friends.

This year’s tour included exceptional gardens that were previously featured during past tours. Since I had previously seen three of the gardens, it was a great opportunity to see how they had evolved over time.

Our first stop was an early invite to catch the morning sun in Tait Moring’s garden before the crowds arrived. Situated on a hilltop with an amazing canyon view, this garden is always a treat to visit. It includes classic elements and eclectic focal points — finely-honed view corridors and magnificent vistas. Several water features and a range of plants from xeric to native to tropical fill garden rooms with unique appeal.

This beautiful iron gate – which matches several others around the property, is the gateway to the beautiful view.

Strategically placed pottery and other objects serve as focal points around the garden.

Pots decorate patios, too.

I remembered the wonderful sculptural pruning of this pittosporum and after several more years of growth – it was even more beautiful than before.

More simple, understated pots with lush plants made a perfect match with the clean lines of the house.

Along the side of the house, these dramatic pots planted with yellow hesperaloe grab your attention.

In another vignette – this hardscaping elevates these pots with oversized agaves, both in height and in interest.

This ornate gate mirrors the other iron work on the property.

This wall was created with stones from Moring’s childhood rock collection and other memorabilia and art.

Pieces of glass are interspersed with the rocks in the wall, and a trio of pots adds more color to the display.

We couldn’t decide if this carving was Aztec or Southeast Asian in origin — but it was very cool.

And a field of native plants and wildflowers cascades down the hill.

Wonder what my tour mates are laughing about? I know!

This fence was definitely not meant to keep these beautiful blooms on one side of the fence or the other.

Pops of spring color.

I’m not sure this guy paid for a tour ticket!

This hammock, hidden down in the woods, called to my blogging buddy.

Intricate raised stone beds in the potager were filled with vegetables and flowers.

Artichokes on tour.

A small pocket of sun in a secret sitting area in the woods illuminates a blooming cactus.

After a long trek down the hillside and through the woods (no river), we found a beautiful Texas madrone tree. The Texas madrone is known for is its distinctive exfoliating bark. When the older layers come off, the new bark is smooth and can be white – like this one – or orange or even red. The madrone needs a xeric climate and very good drainage.

Another addition since our last visit – a beautifuldark-bottomed swimming pool. Subtle and simple, it fades into the backdrop of the garden.

A collection of tropical plants lines the stone wall and wood fence that serve as the backdrop for the pool.

This made me feel like I was in the Yucatan!

A delightful and fascinating garden, I left feeling peaceful and inspired.

By Diana C. Kirby|2017-11-29T23:27:07-06:00May 13th, 2014|Austin bloggers, Austin gardens, bark, Blog, focal point, garden decor, garden tour 2014, pots, pruning, Sharing Nature's Garden, stone work, Tait Moring, trees, tropicals, Wildflower center tour, wrought iron|0 Comments

Whimiscal garden art makes Arbor Gate Nursery in Tomball a must-see visit

What would a weekend garden tour trip be without a nursery tour to go along with it?

Not as much fun, that’s for sure. So when my friend, Pam, of Digging, planned our Houston Garden Conservancy Open Days trip last weekend, we had two nurseries on our fun-filled itinerary: The Antique Rose Emporium in Brenham (I’ll post about it soon), and The Arbor Gate in Tomball, a whimsical destination nursery packed with garden art of every imaginable type.

They describe their nursery as: “an inspired collection that includes unusual plants, artisan-created decorative pieces, and a constantly changing array of items that bring beauty, comfort, and even flavor to the home and garden.”

There were two lovely shops with home and garden gifts galore. I could get lost in a place like this.

This giant metal rose sculpture truly is a Carefree Beauty – no blackspot here.

Darting among the metal statues, I’m not sure who was more curious – me or this duck?

I was intrigued by all of the birdhouse art. I had my eye on one, but ended up with a piece of glass art instead. Now I wish I’d splurged and bought one of each.

The wall of the store was lined with talavera painted creatures.

This bevy of terra cotta cats seemed to be watching us wherever we went.

Unlike these two lazy porkers, who paid us absolutely no mind.

I think the duck was looking for a date here, but the herons weren’t interested.

And the pottery – boy was there a lot of pottery.

And more critters.

And more birdhouses.

And it wouldn’t be a nursery without some ceramic mushrooms.
I particularly liked this sea of ceramic fish swimming through this bright bed of chard. They looked like they were trying to talk to us.

They also had a wide variety of glass garden art – I almost bought this one, but ended up with a different piece – same colors but a different shape. It hasn’t found its perfect home in my garden yet, so that will have to be another post.

You can see Pam was having a great time loitering among the plants.

More animal garden art. I’ll bet that dog doesn’t wake its owner up at 5:30 on the weekends (like some dogs I know).

Their poppies were stunning.

I loved these Spanish-inspired colorful garden stakes.

And more cute ‘shrooms.

Flying bugs …

…and flying pigs.

I cannot tell a lie – a beautiful succulent from this table went home with me.

Here are more of the glass sculptures. They remind me of the amazing chihuly glass, and they were reasonably priced. I can’t wait to find the perfect place in my garden for the one I bought.

They also had a wonderful selection of plants and the nursery staff were very knowledgeable. We shared stories and asked questions and identified a few new varieties of plants to try back here at home in Central Texas.

Gardens and shopping. Kind of like peanut butter and jelly. We had a blast.

If you’re in the north Houston area, make time to visit this magical nursery — you’ll be glad you did.

By Diana C. Kirby|2017-11-29T23:27:09-06:00April 7th, 2014|Arbor Gate, Blog, garden art, garden decor, garden tour 2014, Houston, nursery, Sharing Nature's Garden, Tomball|1 Comment

Flora Grubb delights bloggers with pots, plants and garden design and decor

Come on in.

Where to start?

Our 6th annual Garden Bloggers Fling in the San Francisco area this year was phenomenal. The Fling crew, Kelly Kilpatrick, Andrea Fox, Charlotte, Claire and Maggie, did an amazing job of crafting a program filled with beautiful private gardens, public gardens and nurseries. They babied us and fed us well and it was so fun to gather with friends, old and new, and join together to discover the Bay area.

As we began our Fling, we all laughingly said that they can grow everything in California. After these garden tours, I think it may be true!

I’m starting my blog posts from the end. After numerous problems with my computer and iPhoto (all self- created problems having to do with TOO many files – 18,000 photos – even after moving 5 years worth of photos elsewhere), these are the photos I’ve uploaded so these are the photos you get to see!

Our last stop – a shopping tour and reception filled with wonderful food and drinks – at the well-known nursery, Flora Grubb. Wow.

The nursery had me on garden overload with its unique plants, bursts of hot color and just plain old cool stuff. Creative vignettes like this classic car overflowing with ferns and phormium captured our attention.

This exotic staghorn fern makes me think of Medusa as it spills out of this Buddha head planter.

The pruning of this palm tree created a live piece of sculptural garden art.

Endless bromeliads – loving the heat and humidity of the Bay area – and paired with hot pots.

Or succulents sitting side-by-side in cool concrete.

Flora Grubb did the landscaping for nearby gardens, and we got a walking tour of the area, which included these great yuccas.

I loved this plant – tibouchina – and was pondering its viability here in Austin, Texas, when Kelly came along, laughed at me, and said:

“No, it won’t grow in Austin, but it will grow in my garden!”

Then she snatched one up and sauntered up to the cash register! I had to laugh. I had a case of serious plant envy by this point without a doubt.

Inside the store, we were surrounded by more beautiful pots and decor.

As things were winding down, and I sat to chat with friends, I almost didn’t notice the cool trenched table inlaid with succulents. I knew I couldn’t get this in my suitcase. Think I could make one? Hmmmm…

Each year at the Fling, there seems to be one specific plant that’s in its full glory in almost every garden we visit. In Buffalo, I remember the mondarda, in Chicago, I remember the alliums. From the San Francisco fling, I will always remember the over-the-top phormium we found in almost every garden. We’re a little too hot and a little too dry to grow them here, but you can bet money I’m gonna try! Maybe in a pot, in a carefully chosen spot and lots of TLC. (No work involved in trying to grow this plant!)

Here’s a glimpse of what I brought home in my suitcase – a succulent, a fern and a few tilandsias along with a trio of metal planters and some red long beans. I would have liked to fill a truck with so much more and drive it home, but that would have been impractical.

This was a spectacular ending to a wonderful Fling. Thanks to everyone who helped by working, hosting, opening their homes, and sponsoring our special event.

By Diana C. Kirby|2019-07-15T19:14:41-05:00July 14th, 2013|2013 fling, 2013 Garden Bloggers Fling, Blog, bright edge yucca, bromeliads, cacti, Flora Grubb, garden art, garden decor, garden tour, nursery, phormium, planters, pots, Sharing Nature's Garden, staghorn fern, succulents, yucca|4 Comments

garden decor

Dramatic Danger Garden makes a point to welcome visitors from Portland Garden Bloggers Fling

Hot art and design spice up Portland De Sousa Fling garden

Beautiful Austin gardens on Wildflower Center tour inspire with details and structure…

Whimiscal garden art makes Arbor Gate Nursery in Tomball a must-see visit

Flora Grubb delights bloggers with pots, plants and garden design and decor

Escape in the garden