It's a Spring Fling Thing
I had a pleasant time meeting Garden Bloggers from around the country at the 2008 Spring Fling here in Austin. I didn't get a chance to talk with everyone, but the Bloggers I did speak with were very kind. Thank you to Pam, Diana, MSS and Bonnie for doing all the heaving lifting (and a special thanks again to Pam & MSS for inviting us into your homes and gardens)... and thanks to the out-of-towners for coming all the way to Austin to make this happen.
The Fling started for me on Saturday when I joined with the group's tour -- already in progress -- at the Lady Bird Wildflower Center. Here are some photos I took of the plants and hardscapes we looked at...
I was very happy to meet Susan Wittig Albert and purchase two of her autographed books. [Mysteriously, I saw a beautiful garden nymph climb out of a cage just as we were leaving the center, but perhaps it was my imagination...?]
The Flingers had a delicious lunch at Nuevo León and enjoyed an eloquent talk by KLRU's Tom Spencer.
After lunch we drove to my favorite nursery, The Natural Gardener, where several people found botanical goodies. It was all I could do to not purchase something, but I will likely go back and buy one of these beaded animals soon. They are too cool!
Next stop was a tour of James David & Gary Peese's magnificent gardens. To see a map of the property click here. My photos do not do them justice, but here is a brief tour...
My son would love this collection of fossils.
When we stepped into the garden I said "Now I know how the kids felt when they were let loose in Wonkaland." I half-expected Gene Wilder to start singing "Pure Imagination".
Visions of my therapy pool are dancing in my head...
Looking back up towards the house you can see the Flingers are enjoying the garden.
In my next life I'd like to come back as a bird in this garden.
This table is ready for a Feast.
They do have a pitch of lawn with a vista.
There are beautiful pots throughout the property.
I love this grouping of succulents...
No idea what these cool 'tongue-looking' succulents were among the poppies...
More poppies...
Bill & I went to visit the chickens.
Yes, I loved the chickens.
You may also want to watch this cool KLRU video with James David...
Check out some of the other blogs to see more of the social photos. Unfortunately my camera's battery lost power after the David/Peese Garden, but there was a lovely tour of MSS's garden, a Happy Hour at Pam's house and then a dinner at the County Line.
Thanks again to everyone for all your hard work and kindness. Happy Gardening!
"You don't have to garden just for yourself. You have to share it."...Augusta Carter
Copyright © 2007-2008. Suburban Wildlife Garden. All Rights Reserved.
They seem to prefer it to the birdbath; maybe to avoid the neighborhood tomcat. Here is one goldfinch balancing on my solar fountain...
I've hesitated to plant things before putting in a pool for my son's therapy because I know the workmen will likely stomp the plants -- not purposely, but in the line of duty, as it were. But with displays like the one below, what is a gal to do?
These are delightful books that transport the reader directly into 
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