May 1st
Favorites on the First
~ Flowers ~
Our garden was recently featured
on a neighborhood garden tour.
Come along, and I'll show you
what's blooming here in Texas.
It's still a bit early, so not everything
has flushed out like the roses have.
The firecracker ferns are blazing,
but the golden thryallis that you see
here hasn't shown its color yet.
Larkspur seed that I scattered last fall
have happily grown into this lovely bouquet of
pink, lavender, purple, and white.
Gaillardia Arizona Sun, a perennial,
is also known as Blanket Flower.
Orange Daylily are
just beginning to bloom.
The Iceberg Rose patio tree was
happy and in bloom for the tour.
Blackfoot Daisy looks sweet and delicate,
but it is a rugged little plant that
tolerates heat and drought conditions.
Gerber Daisy and Petunia
add seasonal color.
Gerber Daisy and Petunia
add seasonal color.
More seasonal color fills
containers on the front porch.
Geraniums are one of my
favorite flowers from my childhood.
The scented geranium that is growing in
the large urn offers a delicate lilac bloom.
I like to grow geraniums in containers
that I can mix in among plants in my beds.
This one is tucked in among fern,
oakleaf hydrangea, and caladiums.
Here I've mixed in some other
bloomers among the scented geranium.
Impatients are perfect for the
shade in this area of the garden.
They need to be
protected from the Texas sun.
The tall green plant to the left is Shell Ginger.
Though it isn't in bloom yet,
it has the most amazing flowers.
Dozens of blooms
grow on long stalks.
Each one opens to show
this gorgeous red and yellow mouth.
Fresh cut flowers often fill
a vase for alfresco dining.
Thanks for joining me in my spring garden.
Click here to see more of my garden from last spring.
Joining
Favorites on the 1st @ The Polohouse
Wow Us Wednesday @ Savvy Southern Style
What's It Wednesday @ Ivy and Elephants
Outdoor Wednesday @ A Southern Daydreamer
Share Your Cup Thursday @ Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olsen
Home and Garden Thursday @ Delightsome Life
Open House Friday @ Bernideen's Tea Time
Feathered Nest Friday @ French Country Cottage
Fresh Cut Friday @ Rose Vignettes
Anything Blue Friday @ The Dedicated House
Be Inspired @ Common Ground
Home Sweet Home @ The Charm of Home
Show and Tell Friday @ My Romantic Home
Festive Friday Fiesta @ The Home Girl
Oh The Places I've Been @ The Tablescaper
Cottage Garden Party @ Fishtail Cottage
Pink Saturday @ How Sweet the Sound
Sunny Simple Sunday @ Sunny Simple Life
Amaze Me Monday @ Dwellings
Blue Monday @ Smiling Sally
Make It Pretty Monday @ The Dedicted House
Masterpiece Monday @ Boogieboard Cottage
Pretty Things @ TwelveOeight
Tuesday Treasure @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
Your Gonna Love It Tuesday @ Kathe With An E
The Scoop @ Cedar Hill Ranch
Inspire Me Tuesday @ A Stroll Thru Life
Happy List @ Art At Home
protected from the Texas sun.
The tall green plant to the left is Shell Ginger.
Though it isn't in bloom yet,
it has the most amazing flowers.
Dozens of blooms
grow on long stalks.
Each one opens to show
this gorgeous red and yellow mouth.
Fresh cut flowers often fill
a vase for alfresco dining.
Thanks for joining me in my spring garden.
Click here to see more of my garden from last spring.
Joining
Favorites on the 1st @ The Polohouse
Wow Us Wednesday @ Savvy Southern Style
What's It Wednesday @ Ivy and Elephants
Outdoor Wednesday @ A Southern Daydreamer
Share Your Cup Thursday @ Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olsen
Home and Garden Thursday @ Delightsome Life
Open House Friday @ Bernideen's Tea Time
Feathered Nest Friday @ French Country Cottage
Fresh Cut Friday @ Rose Vignettes
Anything Blue Friday @ The Dedicated House
Be Inspired @ Common Ground
Home Sweet Home @ The Charm of Home
Show and Tell Friday @ My Romantic Home
Festive Friday Fiesta @ The Home Girl
Oh The Places I've Been @ The Tablescaper
Cottage Garden Party @ Fishtail Cottage
Pink Saturday @ How Sweet the Sound
Sunny Simple Sunday @ Sunny Simple Life
Amaze Me Monday @ Dwellings
Blue Monday @ Smiling Sally
Make It Pretty Monday @ The Dedicted House
Masterpiece Monday @ Boogieboard Cottage
Pretty Things @ TwelveOeight
Tuesday Treasure @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
Your Gonna Love It Tuesday @ Kathe With An E
The Scoop @ Cedar Hill Ranch
Inspire Me Tuesday @ A Stroll Thru Life
Happy List @ Art At Home
Sarah, I see why your home was on the garden tour! Your home and gardens are lovely. So many blooming flowers, already. I know why your garden grows so lovely, you really do have a green-thumb and such a flair for designing the beds. I enjoyed my tour!
ReplyDelete~Emily
The French Hutchj
Sarah! What a fabulous trip through your gorgeous yard! I feel privileged to see these great photos of it. Everything is just beautiful...did you have to work like a dog to get it ready for all of the company your garden had? You are very gracious to open your gardens for others to enjoy it. I saw your post over at "The PoloHouse" blog.
ReplyDeletewow! Your flowers look stunning! I am seriously envious! No wonder you were included in the garden tour. I know I would have been in the tour "ooooing and ahhing"!
ReplyDeleteI have no idea why this post hasn't shown up on my reader, Sarah! I would have been so disappointed if I hadn't gotten to see this. SO beautiful. Not only are you a talented decorator, but your yard is GORGEOUS. There is no end to your talent!
ReplyDeleteXO,
Sheila
Sarah!
ReplyDeleteI am always blown away by your luscious gardens ---- the stunning hardscapes -- fountains, urns, archways, curving paths, and walls that make your intimate garden such a spectacular space!
So European, so unusual and well-designed. Is your property flat or is there an incline at all?
I am impressed by the amount of lush foliage you have. It seems more like a space you would find in Florida, as opposed to Texas.
Just love it Sarah!
Thanks so much for coming by and sharing this fantastic sanctuary with us!
xox
Alison
Oh Sarah, you have the most gorgeous garden!!! They certainly knew who to ask to be on the tour. It is amazing. Not only are your planting beautiful but all of the accouterments are spectacular.
ReplyDeleteNow, how about a tour of the inside of your home????
- Alma, The Tablescaper
Hi Sarah,
ReplyDeleteYour garden looks wonderful. Congratulations on your award, no surprise. I have to save this post for my son and our DIL who live in your great city.
Karen
Oh my goodness Sarah, I am in awe of your beautiful garden. It looks every bit as pretty as the Dallas Arboretum and I adore going there!! You have such a wonderful selection of plants. I'm a big fan of Blackfoot daisies and talked one of my sons into buying some. He now realizes what an excellent choice they are. Do your geraniums last through the summer? I have some growing now, but they usually don't last in the heat. Thanks for the fabulous tour.
ReplyDeleteWow! Your garden is specatacular, Sarah. The flowers are gorgeous. Beautiful landscaping!...Christine
ReplyDeleteSarah, your gardens are gorgeous! I'm sure your guests enjoyed the tour very much. xo
ReplyDeleteSarah~ This is gorgeous! Your winding patio walk...swoon! I love your combination of the oakleaf hydrangea with the caladiums and ferns! I had no idea larkspur would grow so easily from seed! Spectacular...what a pleasure to dine or sip coffee and wine surrounded by all that garden beauty!
ReplyDeleteIf they have a prize for the best garden on the tour, yours would win hands down! Gorgeous flower beds! And that's coming from a Garden Club Dropout...LOL! At least I know beautiful when I see it! And your home is just lovely. I feel like I'm in Texas, for sure!!
ReplyDeleteSarah, you have such a gorgeous garden. I can feel the love through your pictures..I am sure everyone really enjoyed visiting you..I certainly did. I am now following you....thanks for visiting me...
ReplyDeleteLove,Mona
Wow. I loved this tour Sarah. Your grounds look so amazing and I can't believe how much bloom you've got from your garden already. The larkspur looks lovely! You must have a serious green thumb. Thanks for sharing all this inspiration.
ReplyDeleteLeslie (aka gwen moss)
WOW - you have beautiful gardens! I would be outside all the time enjoying the beauty (too bad I really hate gardening!) Your flowers are so pretty - do you do all the gardening? I am sure they will want you on the tour every year! I am heading back to see last year's post
ReplyDeleteOh, Sarah! I don't know where to start. Your garden is absolutely gorgeous. I love the way you've planted them and your sweet garden ornaments. Firecracker fern and golden thryallis are new to me,and the shell ginger is striking. Wish we could grow those here. Thanks so much for sharing your garden.
ReplyDeleteSarah, I don't know how you keep up with all you do. Your garden and your home are gorgeous! I wish I could talk you into coming to Ark and helping me get a pretty garden started. I love the way you said, "I scattered some seeds". If I do that, the birds eat all of them, so I'm sure you did more than scatter. What kind of stone are the tiles on your pathways? Your pathways and patio are beautiful. I loved this tour and scrolled through several times to take it all in. laurie
ReplyDeleteOh dear Sarah, your iamges of your garden are gorgeous, I can see why your garden was in the garden tour, my friend...you rock!! You are very talented lady and you are a super woman too, as everything you do is gorgeous! Big hugs,
ReplyDeleteFABBY
Oh, your home and garden are just amazing! You have such a talent for mixing in just the right plants. It looks sooooo beautiful, no wonder it is on the garden tour. We'd love to have you link it.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Patti
I am so thrilled you were on the garden tour and how lovely your garden is!!! Can you believe we got 4" of snow yesterday.....making the garden wet is good though! I am so pleased you linked to Open House!!!
ReplyDeleteA Picture Postcard.
ReplyDeleteSARAH!!!!!!!!!!! Your home, garden...oh dear, I am speechless! Absolutely fantastic and I must say that your home resembles mine in many ways, but your landscaping is so lush and mature! Do you know that we had snow two days ago and more is expected tonight? I can't plant my phlox in the ground yet until next weekend!
ReplyDeleteI WILL PUT YOU on my list of participants for the France party! I am so glad you are going to be in it! Your name will appear on my current list and then on the day the party starts, you will see your name with your link. ENJOY CREATING!!!!! Anita
Sarah, I am speechless--your yard is absolutely gorgeous. I love the way you have tucked the color into the greens and added pots and the garden ornaments. The little bunny is adorable and I always am attracted to hearts like your beautiful chimes. Your last year's post with the succulents is also wonderful. Both your house and your garden reflect your excellent taste and skill! Linda
ReplyDeleteLike everyone above, your garden is BEAUTIFUL...thanks for taking us on the garden tour..it is stunning!
ReplyDeleteWOW! I don't know what to say. I'm totally speechless. Your garden is absolutely breathtaking! Thank you so much for sharing all this beautifulness for Fresh-Cut Friday!
ReplyDeleteIt is the perfect addition. :)
~Liz
Like Liz, I am totally speechless!
ReplyDeleteI know folks live in homes like that but I guess I forget...it's simply gorgeous! How fortunate you are!! :)
Your garden and home are stunning, Sarah! I can see why it was chosen to be on a house tour. All the greenery is so lush and cool looking and your flowers are so varied and beautiful.
ReplyDeleteWe had more snow yesterday so sadly Spring has disappeared again from Colorado. I'm not sure what summer will bring!
Sarah, your garden is spectacular, and I can see why it was included in a garden tour. I would love to see it in person.
ReplyDeleteThe weather in Houston is so different from the weather in the DFW area. Your garden is lush looking already and has some plants that will not grow in the ground in this area.
Judith
These beautiful shots of your garden transported me back to our wonderful albeit short visit many years ago. The orange day lilies are stunning, I imagine your visitors were as enthralled as we were.
ReplyDeleteI noticed that someone mentioned that this post hadn't shown up on their blog list, the same thing is happening on my blog too.It shows your last post as being quite a few weeks ago, hope blogger can put it right. I shall inquire!
Sarah - Your flowers are just gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteJudy
Amazingly beautiful gardens. Congrats on being featured on the home tour, I can see why. Such eye candy for us gardeners!
ReplyDelete*hugs*deb
oh my, I would love to take a tour in real life! please come over and share your gardening posts at Fishtail Cottage's garden party! xoox, tracie
ReplyDeleteYou NEVER have to leave your own back door to see gorgeous sights!! Your gardens are truly beautiful.
ReplyDeleteAnn
Lordy, Lordy! What an awesome garden! Your plants are so far ahead of ours. Everything is so full and lush and I am seeing things that we don't grow here. I love it all. Thanks for sharing this loveliness. Blessings, Ginger
ReplyDeleteSarah, you have a marvelous garden space. The winding paths and blooming flowers make it wonderful. Plus you have created shade for those plants. Just marvelous, Olive
ReplyDeleteSarah, your garden is just lovely. I love the winding paths that invite you to move into the garden. You have such beautiful garden art pieces scattered about which adds to the beauty. I have not seen a Shell Ginger, but I will be asking my husband to get one that's for sure. I can see why they are called "shell", they blooms do look like a shell. Dianne
ReplyDeleteSarah, Thanks for sharing your tour of your beautiful garden. It's gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteJody
Sarah,
ReplyDeleteWhat an enchanting our of your Gardens, dear friend!!!
Your photography is exquisite! Detailed images of each plant had mesmerized my entire being!
Thank you for sharing what's Behind The Garden Gate!!!
Fondly,
Pat
OH MY! your home is STUNNING! the beautiful curves of the garden and stonework, the URN with the geranium, the windows the railings, all just gorgeous! oh i wish i could have taken a peak behind the garden gates is absolutely BEAUTIFUL! heavy sigh of happiness for you!
ReplyDeleteWell, that was a most enjoyable tour of your beautiful gardens! Seeing the photos of each plant, flower and bush was a joy :)
ReplyDeleteKindly, Lorraine
How beautiful - I'm speechless (but not, thankfully, wordless!) Your patio roses, the many flowers that I've never seen up here, and the landscaping to set it all of so well. Your garden was surely one of the favourites on the tour.
ReplyDeleteHappy Pink Saturday! Enjoying the view of your garden.
ReplyDeleteHello Sarah,
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful home
I love all the flowers
and landscape.
Thank you for visiting
me and for your kind
comments.
Have a wonderful week.
Bear Hugs
Carolyn
Absolutely amazing, Sarah. Beautiful gardens. I love the design!
ReplyDeleteHi Sarah, No wonder your on the neighborhood garden tour. What a beautiful garden and the blooms are stunning. Your home lends itself to the romantic style you have chosen for your garden landscape. Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful garden with us today.
ReplyDeletexo, Jeanne
Big wow! I loved every inch of it! Thank-you for sharing! I'm happy for you that you were included in the tour- what a great honor! Your home and the grounds are beautiful! I love that walk down to your terraced garden area. You have such a nice variety of blooming flowers and shrubs! I wish I could see it in person!
ReplyDeleteGreat to have you be a part of "Oh, the PLACES I have been!"
ReplyDelete- The Tablescaper
What a lovely garden you have! So much room and so lovingly cared for. The little statues are such a delightful treat tucked here and there. Just wonderful!
ReplyDeleteRobin
My garden will never look like this, so I'm thrilled to be invited to enjoy yours. Thanks for the peak. Cherry Kay
ReplyDeleteMy goodness Sarah! I knew you knew a thing or two about setting a beautiful table, but I had no idea you were also a Master Gardener. Who else would be able to plant and maintain such a fabulous display of colors, and textures? Your home looks absolutely amazing. Félicitations! Veronique (French Girl in Seattle)
ReplyDeleteSarah, your garden is stunning....I would be hard-pressed to choose my favorite flower, but those cute little blackfoot daisies are too cute! I might try to incorporate them into our garden.
ReplyDeleteThanks for putting together such a pretty post! :D
xo,
RJ
spectacular Sarah!!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Sarah,
ReplyDeleteThank you for the tour of your beautiful garden. I enjoyed looking at all the gorgeous flowers. They're all soothing to the soul.
thanks so much for coming over and linking up to the first garden party of 2013...your garden is so amazing ~ I can't wait to see more this week! xoxo, tracie
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely stunning! I love garden tours and can appreciate how much hard work went into that.
ReplyDeleteMy dad's garden was on tour in his town this past weekend. He worked for months getting ready.
Sarah, I can see why you were part of the garden tour, your gardens are stunning! Everything is so lush looking.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait for mine to start budding up...it is warming up little by little.
Gorgeous, Sarah! I love your home and gardens...everything is so beautiful. Thank you for joining the Open House party.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Sherry
Sarah, I have extreme garden envy, I can't grow anything but the occasional weed, moss and a begonia or two. Lovely gardens and photos, the visitors on the tour had a delightful time I know!
ReplyDeleteJenna
Sarah, your garden is beautiful. It's easy to see why you were included in the tour. I was fortunate enough to be in two tours at my previous home. Attending garden tours is one of my favorite things to do. I love your wall planter and all of your gorgeous urns. I am on the hunt for a few more. Not really wanting plastic, but not having alot of luck finding anything else. Thanks for sharing your lovely garden with SYC.
ReplyDeletehugs,
Jann
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteYour home and gardens are totally amazing. Unreal. Great garden tour. Thanks so much for joining Inspire Me. Hugs, Marty
ReplyDeleteYour garden is beautiful! I love the orange day lily. I need to find one. Have a great week. Carol
ReplyDelete:D I'm tickled pink you linked-up to My Happy List!
ReplyDeleteThank-you!
xo,
RJ
Amazing garden -- truly beautiful. I'm just beginning to get into gardening so you've really inspired me!
ReplyDeleteHeather from Friendship, Life and Style
I can see why! Your garden is amazing! Simply gorgeous - I will be featuring your post in this week's Home and Garden Thursday,
ReplyDeleteKathy
oh my Sarah, your home is amazing, so beautiful!! your gardens are just fabulous!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely gorgeous!!! Wow!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for sharing at Amaze Me Monday!
Blessings,
Cindy
Absolutely gorgeous!!! Wow!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for sharing at Amaze Me Monday!
Blessings,
Cindy
Wow! I can see why your garden was featured. How beautiful.
ReplyDeleteSarah, I am speechless! What a fabulous yard and all of your hardscaping is just stunning. You have such an exquisite place!
ReplyDeleteIn addition, I am so jealous that Texas is so far ahead of us. We are still mostly brown with pops of spring color. Wish I could have seen it in person. I bet everyone was overwhelmed. So glad you let us peek in!
Oh it is quite easy to see just why you were featured. What a beautiful green thumb you have!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing these glorious images!
Be still my heart...
ReplyDeleteIf I were your neighbor I'd come over to help pull weeds just to hang out there! Lovely!!!!
Oh I haven't seen anything this beautiful...I love every bit of it!
ReplyDeleteSarah,
ReplyDeleteI had no idea your landscapes were this beautiful!
Thank you for joining Home Sweet Home.
Sherry
Sarah, featuring your lovely landscape today at Home Sweet Home! Just beautiful!
ReplyDeleteSherry
Oh, Sarah! Your garden is beautiful! I would live outside if I were you! Thanks so much for sharing it with us!...hugs...Debbie
ReplyDelete*GASP* Your garden is spectacular, Sarah!! No wonder you spend so much time, working out there. Every corner has another little surprise waiting. Gosh, it is just this wonderful tucked-away little secret. I'm sure the guests on the tour were very appreciative of all your hard work.
ReplyDeleteOur Spring bulbs are all in bloom & lilac tree as well as the lily of the valley are opening as well. Too bad everything is making me sneeze this year! I've never had allergies like this year.
Hugs,
Rett
Sarah..every time I caught glimpses of your inside:) I somehow knew the outside would be timeless elegance too.
ReplyDeleteOh my..those walkways..the stone..everything:) I have flagstone pathways that a re a real mess right now..
No wonder you were featured..Your classic taste abounds.
I am just going to have to look and look again..
It's so peaceful too.
Beautiful.
Oh, Sarah, you have been holding out. I have not seen the exterior of your home or your gardens. How gorgeous! I love all your walkways and steps and curved walls and of course all the plants. Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteHappy Mother's Day!
Not only are your gardens gorgeous...but your patio and hardscapes are just amazing!!!...My heart skipped a beat when I saw the back of your home and gardens!!
ReplyDeleteHold on one second while I pick my jaw up off the floor!!!!!!!!!!!! Your gardens are GORGEOUS!!!!!!!!! The hardscaping is exquisite and the variety of plants and flowers, fabulous. This is my DREAM. I know I can never have something like this so PLEASE continue to share ths with us. Spectacular. XO, Pinky
ReplyDeleteWhat a simply stunning garden Sarah! Your shell gingers are gorgeous, an absolute triumph and the delicate geranium cascading from the large urn, wow!
ReplyDeleteHappy weekend!
Paul:)
Sarah, no wonder your garden was featured. Absolutely stunning. Just beautiful!
ReplyDeleteKaren