Welcome to My Place to Yours and the beginning of a new week! I hope you’ve enjoyed your weekend. Mine was really busy with everything centered around Festival of Tables. I’ll show you my Breakfast at Tiffany’s table on Thursday, then hopefully next week I’ll be ready to show you the rest of the tables. You’re going to love all of the creativity again this year!
Speaking of creativity — and one of the most amazing transformations I’ve seen in a long time…
Last Spring when I visited my family in Texas, we took a little field trip to a place my parents and sister have told me about for several years — but my trips to Texas have mostly been at holidays, and the timing was never right to go. So on my last trip home, Clark Gardens was high on my list of “things I want to do while in Texas.”
Just minutes from my parents’ home is land that looks like this.
Mesquite trees …
and prickly pear cactus …
But in the middle of that unrefined terrain sits the 35-acre oasis known as Clark Gardens … the result of what began in 1972 as one couple’s attempt to traditionally landscape their home on rugged Texas land.
Opened to the public in 2000, Clark Gardens has been referred to as “one of the most beautiful gardens in the nation.”
Standing in a small parking lot virtually in the middle of nowhere, I saw traditional plantings. They looked very out of place; in stark contrast with the cactus and scraggy mesquite I’d seen all around me on the drive over.
Still a bit skeptical, I let the path draw me in …
I couldn’t believe where it led …
This water lily-laden pond was beautiful!
Such gorgeous views … everywhere I looked.
I wasn’t the only one out enjoying the day …
The plants were just as amazing as promised …
I’d never seen pink poppies before. They were beautiful…
…especially the doubles! I love how frilly their petals are.
The roses are always a favorite…
…like this Mardi Gras variety.
Can’t you just imagine a beautiful wedding reception in this tent? Surely this setting would be a photographer’s dream …
Blooming flowers everywhere…
But if you can believe it, what you’ve seen here is what I consider the rustic part of the gardens.
Next week I’ll show you the transformation to formal gardens…
For now, I’ll leave with you a flower this girl loves… The Bluebonnet — state flower of Texas
I missed the peak of wildflower season, but I’m glad I got to lay my eyes on a few late bloomers. It’s been far too many years since I’ve watched a field turned into a sea of blue. And these seed pods? They hold the wonderful hope of another beautiful Spring next year…
Until then… I hope you have a wonderful week!
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GORGEOUS, Susan! My very favorite part would be that pond with the waterfall and lily pads.
You make me want to venture out and find some loveliness.
But what I’m going to do first is scroll down and see that tablescape from last week.
Just beautiful! I was surprised to see so much water. The water lilies are lovely and oh, the roses.
This is a perfect way to start the week. Thanks,
Babs
Loved this pictures they were beautiful. Thanks for sharing.
http://www.the2seasons.com
Oh, Susan, this is so lovely. My favorite are the water lilies. I do have to admit; however, that you grabbed my attention with your upcoming Breakfast at Tiffany’s table. I can’t wait. And, yes, sharing my Audrey Hepburn blog signature quote is perfectly fine with me. After all, aren’t all beautiful quotes meant to be?
Thank you for stopping by. Have a gorgeous day.
What a small world it is! My parents live in Perrin, Tx., not too far from Clark Gardens. My dad was born in Mineral Wells, and they tell me about Clark Gardens, though I have not been there myself. Your beautiful pictures have inspired me to go visit.
Many blessings,
Jennifer
I can tell you from experience that it is a magnificant place for a wedding reception. My neice held her reception there this past fall and it was amazing. Love your post!