The change was subtle. In the midst of rustic grasses and casual plantings … little touches of formality.
I was at Clark Gardens Botanical Park in Weatherford, Texas. In case you missed last week’s post, I should tell you that Clark Gardens is 35 acres of traditional landscaping right in the middle of rugged mesquite trees and prickly pear cactus. I’ve already showed you what I called the “rustic” part of the gardens. Today, we’re leaving behind the rock, as impressive as it is …
and catching glimpses of brick …
and wrought iron …
and vast expanses of manicured lawn …
Don’t these areas feel a bit more formal to you?
Fountains — even whimsical ones — are on my list of “formal” elements.
So are trellises with roses — and gazebos …
… and raised brick flower beds.
How I was wishing I could do a tablescape in this gorgeous space!
Just imagine sitting down for a meal — with this view …
I guess you’ve figured out by now that this was one of my very favorite spaces in the garden! So much to see and experience …
Here’s a view from inside the beautiful covered walkway you saw above …
The amaryllis plants in this area were amazing!
These oversize urns stood at the entrance of a chapel.
You may have noticed its steeple in this picture last week …
Postcard-perfect …
I love that a chapel was included in the garden. Perhaps sometime I’ll show you the inside …
Beyond the chapel, the fountains and statuary got more and more impressive …
I’d love to have this sweet girl in my garden!
This, too … but it’s a bit much for a typical backyard, don’t you think?
I love the detail on the frieze … and those pots of overflowing fruit!
The sky’s starting to look a little dark, so we’d probably start thinking about heading home …
It’s been a wonderful afternoon. I’m so glad Max Clark and his wife Billie tried to tame their wild Texas land — and succeeded!
Everybody’s happy …
Time for one more look back … Beautiful!
So long Clark Gardens … and Texas. Until next time …
I hope you have a great week!
Remember to stop by Wednesday night … I’ll be posting tablescapes from last weekend’s Festival of Tables. But today, I’m joining Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday.
What amazing pics!! I love the lion fountain to pieces! Wonder what my neighbors would think if I put that bad boy in the front yard!?;)
It feels like I was there with you. The pictures are beautiful and what a gorgeous place. I never tire of seeing posts like these..sigh of pleasure. thank you!
Veronica
http://www.tasselsandtwigs.blogspot.com
Gorgeous! How blessed you are to have experienced all that!
HaPpY pInK sAtUrDaY!
Sarah
I’m looking forward to the tablescapes.
I kept scrolling through this thinking how beautiful it would be for a wedding or reception. I love that there is even a chapel there.
And isn’t the detail on those statues just amazing? I think so.
Lovely! Thanks for the tour!
Thanks for having so many pictures I certainly enjoyed this tour!