Sometimes a stroll through someone else's garden can provide new inspiration to recharge one's gardening soul. Whereas a stroll through one's own garden often results in weeding and pruning and other tasks needing to be done. Today at Sunshine Gardens, it was just pure enjoyment with no obligations glaring at me. And even though I... Continue Reading →

On April 26, 2025, Holly and I traveled to Houston for the Garden Conservancy Open Days tour of five charming gardens. The mature oak trees in the Museum District provided lots of shady areas that were planted with swaths of lush green groundcovers. Tucked into small nooks and crannies were bright spots of light and... Continue Reading →

Why do I love to go on garden tours? It is an opportunity to take a glimpse at another gardener's world, to see their vision and passion, and ultimately become inspired to get more creative in my own garden. But also because it was something I first did with my mom, who was an amazing... Continue Reading →

I finally made it to The Butchart Gardens and since my expectations were so great, I was prepared to be a little let down. That was certainly not the case. That first look down into the garden design of the former quarry was so spectacular, and every view thereafter had its own picture perfect setting.... Continue Reading →

My garden is very slow to wake up in the Spring. I used to think it was because it was a mostly shady garden. But even now that I have lots more sun, my garden still doesn't really start blooming until May. And since I am not a patient gardener, I end up buying pretty... Continue Reading →

My gardening style is to use fun textures and colors with year-round interest. I began to design with a list of my very favorite plants that give a high bang for the buck. Many of the plants must endure very hot summers and winters usually down to 15 degrees. Most of the plants are perennials however I usually... Continue Reading →

The orange hued Bougainvillea were blooming on campus to support the women's longhorn volleyball team's journey to a repeat national championship. Hook'em!

As the saying goes "a garden is never finished."  Therefore the work of a gardener is never ending. This has never been more true for me than in 2023. As I look back over the year, it seemed there were only rare occasions that I was finding joy in my garden. And this is NOT acceptable... Continue Reading →

It is still uncertain what the fate is of many of the plants, shrubs and tree in my gardens. I am tying to keep a hopeful outlook knowing how resilient plants can be. I got to see that first hand after Hurricane Harvey took its toll on my Rockport garden. So for now, I will... Continue Reading →

The Texas August heat wave is no problem for the ruellias scattered throughout my garden. And for the shady gardener, the many varieties of ruellia provide blooms you can count on. Blooms will continue until the first frost to the delight of butterflies and hummingbirds. Ruellia humilis, only gets 1-2 feet high with slightly fuzzy... Continue Reading →