Thursday, April 25, 2013

Spring in the Texas Hill Country






Little Blanco River

Welcome to the

The Texas Hill Country 




I was fortunate to be a guest 

recently at this lovely hill country home.





A beautiful garden of agava, cactus, sage, 

 bluebonnets, and other Texas 

 wildflowers greeted us on arrival.





Two stone barns circa1930 anchor 

a lovely courtyard garden where we enjoyed lunch.




The courtyard features a central fountain 

and raised beds of blooming plants.




Rustic furniture made from cedar trees 

 on the property offers comfortable seating and dining.


The tables were set with colorful textiles 

 and pitchers filled with bouquets of spring flowers.




The serving table featured a vibrant cloth 

from Mexico, appliquéd in big bright sunflowers.




The bouquets looked as if they had 

just been picked from the cutting garden.





Bright multicolored glasses, 

 reminiscent of a box of Crayons,

 were the perfect compliment to yet another 

of the hostess' hand embroidered Mexican textiles.




Stacks of assorted pottery plates .  .   .




Offered both color 

and a touch of whimsy.




Lunch was a selection of salads.

 ~ Black Bean and Corn Salad ~ 

Served with Pita Chips

Recipe here




~ Mandarin Orange and Chicken Salad ~ 

Recipe here




~ Plump Seedless Grapes ~




~ Chewy Chocolate Brownies ~




After lunch our hostess took us 

 on a tour of her prismatic gardens.




Peggy Martin Climbing Rose 

 and Yellow Columbine




The juxtaposition of the various plants 

with the shapes and textures of the stone 

provides a tranquil setting within the courtyard garden.




A group of wheelbarrows 

 serve as planters.




More Peggy Martin Climbing Roses 

cover the entrance to the second barn.





Peggy Martin Rose

 Click here to read the 

 story of this amazing climber.





A pair of large iron cockerels guard 

 the gates at either end of the Arbor Garden.




Raised beds made from stone quarried 

 on the farm are home to various deer resistant plants.




The garden design is perfect 

 for its hill country setting.



Mexican Sage

Plants in this garden 

 are native to the area.



Red Poppies

They can withstand the 

 Texas heat with minimal water.



Damianita Daisy

All the while providing 

 vibrant color and beauty.





Hope you enjoyed spring in 

the Texas hill country.

Joining

on

63 comments:

  1. RettabugApril 26, 2013 at 6:28 AM

    Oh Sarah...my eyes were just dancing with delight over all these delightful photos! What a fun outing that must have been!

    This architecture is so different for me to see. Very rural & rustic & so wonderfully colorful!
    Thanks for taking us along,
    fondly,
    Rett

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  2. bjApril 26, 2013 at 7:33 AM

    Of all the places in Texas, the Hill country is my favorite. It is so beautiful there and I would move there in a heartbeat if only all my family would move, too.:)

    Your trip must have been so much fun.

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  3. kitty@ Kitty's Kozy KitchenApril 26, 2013 at 8:03 AM

    What a wonderful trip, Sarah! I LOVE the Texas hill country so very much. Last year, you may remember that our youngest son was married in Dripping Springs. Thanks for sharing the beauty of the hill country. I need to get back!

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  4. Linda @ A La CarteApril 26, 2013 at 11:20 AM

    Sarah this is just gorgeous! Lucky you to be able to enjoy lunch and a tour of these gardens!
    hugs, Linda

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  5. AnnApril 26, 2013 at 12:33 PM

    How marvelous is the hill country. That vintage barn is over the top gorgeous, I can imagine a wedding reception with all those brilliant flowers.
    Ann

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  6. Ruth KellyApril 26, 2013 at 3:12 PM

    Absolutely, I enjoyed all your photos. It makes me want to jump in my car and drive right to Texas.

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  7. The TablescaperApril 26, 2013 at 11:33 PM

    Oh Sarah, your photos are amazing. We were in the hill country a couple of years ago and it is gorgeous. You have really captured it.

    Thanks for being a part of "Oh, the places I've been!". Looking forward to having you be a regular contributor.

    - The Tablescaper

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  8. xinexApril 27, 2013 at 7:51 AM

    Oh Sarah, this is a beautiful place. What a gorgeous garden! It must smell so fragrant with all those roses. Thanks for taking us for a virtual tour....Christine

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  9. PondsideApril 27, 2013 at 8:48 AM

    What a wonderful afternoon that must have been. I love the stone everywhere, with the roses against it - gorgeous!
    I wish your posts would come up automatically. Despite everything I try I can't seem to get notice when you post. It's a google mystery!

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  10. The French HutchApril 27, 2013 at 2:30 PM

    Beautiful photos Sarah! Thank you for the tour, this is a stunningly beautiful place. The barns and gardens, what eye candy. The flowers, the stacks of beautiful plates and the food made your day I’m sure. It would me! Fabulous Post!

    ~Emily
    The French Hutch

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  11. Ricki TreleavenApril 27, 2013 at 6:05 PM

    Oh, Sarah...what a delightful tour! What a treat to be a guest at such a lovely home. Those Peggy Martin roses are so lovely. I love the stone used to build the barns....so pretty! Thanks for sharing a slice of the Texas Hill Country with us! Gorgeous post!

    xo,
    RJ

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  12. MaggieApril 28, 2013 at 12:10 AM

    What a truly wonderful place you have shared with us, dear Sarah. The gardens are so different from anything we see over here, I have just added a visit to the Texas hill country to my wish list.

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  13. Art and SandApril 28, 2013 at 1:54 AM

    Texas Hill Country has been on my "to visit" list for many years. Thanks for the virtual tour.

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  14. Cindy (Applestone Cottage)April 28, 2013 at 3:55 AM

    Like wow Sarah, wow~
    What an amazing place!
    The gardens, the buildings, the table and food.
    I so enjoyed the tour, and I bet you had a blast!
    Happy Weekend,
    Cindy

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  15. Kadee WillowApril 28, 2013 at 7:36 AM

    Sarah, I do love the Hill Country so! I have been several times and each time I visit Texas I just feel so gosh, darn good! I love a state where everyone is so willing to shout the praises of where they live. The uniqueness of those stone buildings are what I remember so. That along with the flowers that seem to grow so wild and free. You do a fabulous job with your camera... lovely shots. May I ask what camera you use? Thanks for sharing this spot with all of us..! By the way.... New Follower here!! Yeeeehhhhhaaaaaa!!

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  16. Debra at HOMESPUN: http://www.thehomespun.com April 28, 2013 at 7:41 AM

    What a feast for the eyes ! This post was just wonderful.

    Trouble is, now I want a chocolate brownie! :)

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  17. Magali@TheLittleWhiteHouseApril 28, 2013 at 10:55 AM

    This garden is stunning and it looks so exotic to me.

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  18. Cindy @ Dwellings-The Heart of Your HomeApril 28, 2013 at 6:38 PM

    I so enjoyed this tour! Gorgeous buildings, landscaping and the food looked great too! Beautiful!
    Thanks sooo much for sharing at Amaze Me Monday!
    Blessings,
    Cindy

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  19. Entertaining WomenApril 29, 2013 at 12:34 AM

    I love the Texas Hill Country. Beautiful photos! Thanks for taking us on your trip. Cherry Kay

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  20. MaryApril 29, 2013 at 6:55 AM

    Swoon! Those stone barns...be still my heart! What a perfectly beautiful setting for entertaining and gardening! I adore the patina of the red steel roof, I wish I could have found weathered roofing for my potting shed! Love, love, love the climbing roses and planted wheelbarrows! Thanks so much for taking me along to the visit to the Texas hill country~ I'm primed for a real life visit!

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  21. Miss KittyApril 29, 2013 at 12:34 PM

    Thanks so very much for taking time to snap photos of that fabulous Hill Country luncheon and tour! It was quite a treat to see all of that beauty at that place. Everything is beautiful, but my favorite shot was the wheelbarrows lined up being used at planters...so cute and clever!

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  22. StitchforkApril 29, 2013 at 1:58 PM

    Such a different look from our east coast spring, but every bit as beautiful!
    xo
    Cathy

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  23. SmilingSallyApril 29, 2013 at 4:28 PM

    What a special place! Everything is just blue-tiful!

    Thanks for playing.

    Happy Blue Monday, Sarah.

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  24. JeanneApril 29, 2013 at 4:59 PM

    Wow, The Hill country is beautiful. You were so lucky to be able to enjoy this awesome home with the gardens and barns. thank you for sharing your lovely visit.
    xo, Jeanne

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  25. Botanic BleuApril 29, 2013 at 5:06 PM

    Sarah, the architecture and gardens are so picturesque! How wonderful that you got to visit there in person, and how wonderful for us you shared your visit.

    The food photos made me hungry!

    Judith

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  26. Manuela@A Cultivated NestApril 29, 2013 at 7:25 PM

    What fabulous gardens!! I love that climbing rose and I'll have to see if it's one that does well in Georgia. It's just stunning against the stone!

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  27. SueApril 29, 2013 at 8:31 PM

    This is such a special place. I love it all. The peaceful setting, vibrant gardens and the rustic home. It's all wonderful. Would love to feature you post on my blog anytime. I am lucky to see this lovely home tour.

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  28. Katherines CornerApril 29, 2013 at 9:00 PM

    what a wonderful way to make happy memories. I am so glad you shared it at the Scoop. I hope you will share it at my Thursday Favorite Things hop too xo

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  29. Bargain Decorating with LaurieApril 29, 2013 at 9:12 PM

    Sarah, what incredible surroundings. LOVE the barn and courtyard. So charming! Love the stacks of different kinds of dishes, and the porch for dining. What a wonderful garden tour. This place just provides so much inspiration. Thank you for sharing it. laurie

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  30. thistlewoodfarmApril 29, 2013 at 9:45 PM

    Love this post so much! I think I'm going to order some of those roses!

    Have a blessed and wonderful day!
    karianne

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  31. Marty@A Stroll Thru LifeApril 30, 2013 at 8:33 AM

    Wow, what a gorgeous place. I loved seeing all the gardens, beautiful. Thanks so much for joining Inspire Me. Hugs, Marty

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  32. French Girl in SeattleApril 30, 2013 at 9:11 AM

    What a lovely place, Sarah. Thank you for taking us there. That first photo of the barn looks like it could have been taken in France! That's amazing. Everything is perfect, from the buildings, to the gardens, the food, and the general setting. A special place, definitely. Veronique (French Girl in Seattle)

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  33. An Oasis in the DesertApril 30, 2013 at 9:19 AM

    Oh my goodness, what a delightful place! The grounds are absolutely stunning!

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  34. SueApril 30, 2013 at 1:24 PM

    Oh Sarah, I'm loving that garden and seeing Texas blue bonnets and gorgeous roses.

    I can see why you enjoyed your day here so much.

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  35. Carlene @ Organized ClutterApril 30, 2013 at 5:48 PM

    What a great place to visit. Loved the food, the plates, and most of all the gardens. Not the northern Minnesota variety of plants. I liked the raised beds idea and most of all the line of planted wheelbarrows and the rooster or cockerel.

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  36. suzannepaintsMay 1, 2013 at 7:15 AM

    Wonderful Sarah! Where on earth? Birmingham is beautiful this time of year, but I miss my spineless cactus. And seeing you.

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  37. Lina GustinaMay 1, 2013 at 7:19 AM

    Thanks for the wonderful tour. Love it.

    Visit u back here :)
    www.1sthappyfamily.com

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  38. Anita at Cedar Hill May 1, 2013 at 8:01 AM

    Oh my Sarah, I'm in love!! Wow, and double wow. Do you know the owner? That place is amazing!!

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  39. Sarah ~ Magnolias AtticMay 1, 2013 at 8:09 AM

    What a beautiful place! I love the gardens, especially the climbing roses and the sweet yellow daisies. The Texas Hill Country is so different from the area of TX that I live in -- thanks for sharing your wonderful photos!

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  40. KathleenMay 1, 2013 at 4:26 PM

    Popping in to say hello! Your new posts are not showing up in my sidebar, it is showing your St. Pat's post!
    Loved your Texas Hill Country post. Just beautiful! Those roses are amazing! I just bought some agave to cook with, never had it.
    Hope all is well there Sarah!

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  41. betty-NZMay 1, 2013 at 6:13 PM

    Wow, it looks like a wonderful place to stay and wander about. The story of the roses is just awesome.

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  42. The Quintessential MagpieMay 1, 2013 at 8:11 PM

    Sarah, again, I can't believe I missed this. I'm going have to see what is wrong with my reader. That makes TWO posts that haven't shown up, and I am a follower of yours.

    The same thing happened to Linda with me. She wasn't getting my posts in her reader. I'm going to go right now and see what is going on and rejoin your site if I need to because I don't want to miss any of your posts.

    XO,

    Sheila

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  43. Ann @ Corner of Plaid and PaisleyMay 1, 2013 at 8:17 PM

    this is an amazing post Sarah!! I am in love with that stone barn!! This place is absolutely gorgeous and your beautiful photos really show it off. This place looks like a little slice of Heaven! Thanks for sharing it!

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  44. ExploreColoradoMay 1, 2013 at 8:28 PM

    Wow you found a bit of paradise. What a beautiful place to visit.

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  45. MarlisMay 1, 2013 at 9:55 PM

    I totally loved this! I could see me in that setting. The gardens are exquisite (I am going to try an agave this year - ha ha). Gorgeous tablecloths and the plates are perfect. I know you had a fabulous time. thanks for sharing with us. xo marlis

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  46. AnonymousMay 1, 2013 at 11:11 PM

    What a beautiful table. I would love to visit Hill Country. I've admired it from afar ever since I saw it first featured in Country Living magazine many years ago.

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  47. Debbie@Mountain BreathsMay 2, 2013 at 4:14 AM

    Sarah, thank you for this wonderful visit to Texas Hill Country. xo

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  48. The Charm of HomeMay 2, 2013 at 9:19 AM

    Just gorgeous. Thank you for joining Home Sweet Home.
    Sherry

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  49. MarigeneMay 2, 2013 at 10:28 AM

    What a beautiful setting for a lunch...I would be too busy looking around to eat, which could be a good thing! I just love the looks of a rock barn...thanks for the tour.
    Have a great week, Sarah...

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  50. Alycia NicholsMay 2, 2013 at 4:45 PM

    Barns, you say? Hmmmm...those are by far the most fancy and beautiful barns I have EVER seen!!!! Nothing like that here in the Midwest! :-)

    Such gorgeous photos! The food, the flowers, the landscape...all of it! I'm so glad you had a chance to go there and get away from it all in such beautiful weather and surroundings!!!!!

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  51. Gypsy HeartMay 2, 2013 at 7:24 PM

    Love, love this part of Texas! I can't get down there often enough. You are so fortunate to spend time at such a lovely home. All the flowers, decor, table setting and food are stunning!

    xo
    Pat

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  52. CathyMay 2, 2013 at 10:17 PM

    Yes it is time for a road trip. Love that wonderful area of Texas.

    Cathy's Cupboard Calamity <;)

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  53. UnknownMay 2, 2013 at 11:28 PM

    Beautiful post!

    I would love for you to link up to my TGIF Link Party!
    http://apeekintomyparadise.blogspot.com/2013/05/a-peek-into-my-paradise-tgif-link-party.html

    Cathy

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  54. Pat @ Mille Fiori FavoritiMay 2, 2013 at 11:44 PM

    This Texas Hill Country home is amazing! What a wonderful history it must have and how lovingly it has been restored and maintained. I will have to look at all the delicious recipe links.

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  55. Pat @ Mille Fiori FavoritiMay 2, 2013 at 11:47 PM

    PS: Went back to look again and the Peggy Martin roses are AMAZING! I have to find drought and deer and rabbit resistant flowers for my garden this summer -- IF we get a summer!

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  56. Savannah GrannyMay 3, 2013 at 2:44 PM

    Breathtaking! xoGinger

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  57. a quiet lifeMay 3, 2013 at 10:07 PM

    another gorgoeus garden, this is very california to me, love love love it all, the barn is beaitful, what a lovely outing you had! you have so much fun with all your clubs and friends, i love that you get to see so many wonderful things!

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  58. Steph's StitchingMay 3, 2013 at 10:33 PM

    I did! Very beautiful and restful place.

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  59. Sonya@Beyond the Screen DoorMay 5, 2013 at 5:44 PM

    I feel like I just went on a mini vacation looking at your photos! What am amazing place! Absolutely gorgeous. I'm sure you thoroughly enjoyed your day there.

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  60. AnonymousMay 9, 2013 at 9:46 AM

    I just popped over from the linkup party over at Fishtail Garden and I am soooo glad I did! What loveliness the southwest holds in its gardens! Those barns are gorgeous! thanks so much for sharing this post...
    Hugs,
    Beth P

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  61. Karen @ Beatrice EuphemieMay 9, 2013 at 5:59 PM

    What a beautiful home and gardens! Everything was just lovely - the gardens, the tableware and linens, the gorgeous stone barns!
    First time visitor from 'Fishtail Cottage' garden party. xoxo

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  62. SoniaMay 10, 2013 at 8:29 AM

    Gorgeous, the buildings, the garden ...just everything!
    Love this post and the Texas Hill country!
    Miss Bloomers

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  63. La Table De NanaMay 11, 2013 at 7:49 AM

    LOVE this place Sarah..Oh pop back into my blog roll soon..Look what I missed..
    The tables:) the vegetation..architecture..Like a holiday somewhere formidable.

    ReplyDelete

Thank you to each of you who take the time to leave a comment. I read and appreciate each and every one and will respond to any questions. Your notes are the only way I know who has stopped in for a visit.