spring fling 2012 Archives | Diana's Designs Austin

A garden path less traveled…

On Sunday we finally got to join our host, Christopher, of Outside Clyde, at his mountain top garden, Ku’ulei’Aina, (which means My Beloved Land) and his mother’s neighboring garden, Bonnie Brae (as the steep mountain path winds). It was a beautiful, warm day, filled with sunshine and the sweet smell of green on the mountain top. We started with a delicious fresh lunch outside and then scattered about like little beetles, seeking a path less traveled to explore between the two quaint cottages.

This cairn at the entrance to the property gives guests a rustic welcome.

Christopher built the house, which is literally perched on the mountainside.

We all listen to the history of the two houses and gardens and get our guidance for winding through the mountain paths.

I didn’t get the history of this old fireplace, but I’m sure it has stories to tell of days gone by.

I couldn’t stop looking at the azaleas. The early spring meant there weren’t very many still in bloom. We did see quite a few of the tangerine-colored ones — I assume they bloom a little bit later.

Nestled in the very green of the woods were clusters of every kind of flower imaginable. Some of them just popping up on the mountain, countless numbers of others, carefully yet randomly planted to contribute to the natural look and feel of the winding paths.

This is Christopher’s mother’s deck. The view was incredible – I’m sure every post has the next picture in it. Carol, of May Dreams Gardens is sure to have one in her post! Though I didn’t photograph it, I did enjoy sitting on another small circular deck, a few steps down from this one and under the canopy of some beautiful trees.

On our way back over to Christopher’s we were all impressed with this huge boulder with the stream running out from under it.

His stone labyrinth was inviting and I’m sure all 93 of us took a turn wandering through it.

I caught this little guy trying to crash our party. We were all having such a wonderful time, I don’t think anyone else noticed!

THANK YOU, Christopher, and your whole team, for a wonderful Fling and for sharing your own garden with us all. It was amazing and I’m so glad to have been able to see it firsthand.

Wamboldtopia: whimsy in an Asheville garden

The first stop on the first day for the 5th Annual Garden Bloggers Fling, held in Asheville this year, was the whimsical garden, Wamboldtopia. (The garden is on Wambold Street, hence the name.)

Carved into the side of a mountain, surrounded by tall trees and a carpet of moss and earthy wet leaves, this stone mason’s dream is filled with delicate, funny and sometimes macabre creations. Natural stone steps and winding paths take you from room to room.

Eclectic treasures, tucked away into nooks and crannies, make wonderful conversation pieces as you meander about the garden.

With fellow bloggers clicking away around her, Pam of Digging, focuses on a garden subject.

This magical dog house would be a wonderful hideaway for any canine.

Special little touches adorn walls all around the property, like this miniature staircase, gargoyle and tiny fairy door.

Collections of woodland plants intermingle with art and stone throughout the garden.

This was my second favorite piece, after the dog house, of course! I love the way the stones radiate out from the center, seeming to evoke beams of light around the angel.