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| A lovely bouquet at a help desk. |
As I've previously mentioned, it was a great event, and I admit I took way too many photos. Narrowing them down for coverage here is tough, so I'm not including much text. Links are posted throughout for more information on many of the locations and highlights.
The Memphis Botanic Garden also had impressive water features and lovely plant displays.
Next up, the gardens of Dr. Arsen Manugian:
Described as a plant-lover's English estate garden, it featured an expansive front view, graceful props throughout, a nifty garden shed, a circular sedge display, and more impressive water features.
The plants, including the homeowners' amazing Roses, really captured my attention, as did the raised brick bed above, with its sweet juvenile statue.
Magical planters and touches greeted us throughout. (Can you see the cherub figure within the evergreens above?)
Our final private gardens of the day were those of Susanne and Walter Allen:
They had another cute garden shed and creative props throughout the gardens.
Impressive raised-bed cutting gardens greeted visitors at the front.
The plant combinations and arrangements were artfully done.
Our final destination of the first full day was Dixon Gallery and Gardens:
It was a breathtaking collection of stunning vistas, lovely architecture, and peaceful props, including benches donated in honor of garden supporters.
There were so many amazing displays and beautiful, healthy plants. I honestly wish I could include them all here. Stay tuned for more coverage of the Memphis Garden Fling here, and on the Fling website.
We started at the Memphis Botanic Garden:
I spent most of my time at the botanic garden's My Big Backyard area, with whimsical displays aimed at families and children of all ages. Included: flower "beds," a "stuffed" toilet, and a chrysalis swing.
I spent most of my time at the botanic garden's My Big Backyard area, with whimsical displays aimed at families and children of all ages. Included: flower "beds," a "stuffed" toilet, and a chrysalis swing.
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| Mandevilla sanderi |
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| Franklinia alatamaha |
The Memphis Botanic Garden also had impressive water features and lovely plant displays.
Next up, the gardens of Dr. Arsen Manugian:
Described as a plant-lover's English estate garden, it featured an expansive front view, graceful props throughout, a nifty garden shed, a circular sedge display, and more impressive water features.
Our next garden, that of Karen and Alex Wellford, offered tiered walkways and surprises beyond the garden gate:
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| Zantedeschia elliottiana |
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| Unknown Rose hybrid |
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| Lillium hybrid |
The plants, including the homeowners' amazing Roses, really captured my attention, as did the raised brick bed above, with its sweet juvenile statue.
The Charles Kistler property greeted us with its unique architecture, designed by George Awsumb, a nationally recognized architect:
The gardens, with fun planters and plant combinations throughout, are dedicated to Kistler's late wife, Nancy.
The artistically designed pool area was a favorite spot for Flingers.
Mary and Jeff Sexton's garden also had a welcoming entrance:
Fountains and whimsical planters and props were found throughout the gardens.
But...perhaps the most impressive aspect of the Sexton garden was the amazing collection of more than 30 varieties of Hydrangeas. I took way too many photos to include them all here.
The Jacki Distretti garden opened with a beautifully designed front garden area:
The back patio area was welcoming and fun, too.
Mary and Jeff Sexton's garden also had a welcoming entrance:
Fountains and whimsical planters and props were found throughout the gardens.
But...perhaps the most impressive aspect of the Sexton garden was the amazing collection of more than 30 varieties of Hydrangeas. I took way too many photos to include them all here.
The Jacki Distretti garden opened with a beautifully designed front garden area:
The back patio area was welcoming and fun, too.
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| Phyllanthus myrtifolius |
Magical planters and touches greeted us throughout. (Can you see the cherub figure within the evergreens above?)
Our final private gardens of the day were those of Susanne and Walter Allen:
They had another cute garden shed and creative props throughout the gardens.
Impressive raised-bed cutting gardens greeted visitors at the front.
The plant combinations and arrangements were artfully done.
Our final destination of the first full day was Dixon Gallery and Gardens:
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| Tithonia rotundifolia |
It was a breathtaking collection of stunning vistas, lovely architecture, and peaceful props, including benches donated in honor of garden supporters.
There were so many amazing displays and beautiful, healthy plants. I honestly wish I could include them all here. Stay tuned for more coverage of the Memphis Garden Fling here, and on the Fling website.
It looks like there was lots to see! I'm surprised by how much I like the simplicity of the 4th area in the Manugian garden. I loved that array of rusted metal containers with their simple plants in the Kistler garden too.
ReplyDeleteYes, I'm still thinking about many of the gardens we visited. The Fling is always great, and each one is special in its own way. The Memphis Fling was fabulous, and the gardens were unique in their own ways.
DeleteWow, this is by far the most comprehensive coverage of the Fling! Thank you for posting so many photos. It's the next best thing to being there in person.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Gerhard. I wish you could have been there. It really was a great gathering, and all the gardens, destinations, and events were fun.
DeleteIntrigued by that house with the curves and glass blocks.
ReplyDeleteI know: Wasn't that special?! I don't think I've seen anything like that before. I guess I didn't have many expectations for the architecture or the gardens...but they were both incredible!
DeleteHi, I enjoyed all the photos. Thank you!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Carla: You're welcome! It was a wonderful event. I hope you can join us one of the years. The next one will be in Buffalo, N.Y., and then Chicago might be the destination in the next few years, too.
DeleteThe toilet planting was a stitch, the yellow calla image is beautiful. What pretty gardens!
ReplyDeleteHi Tom: Yes, lots of "fun" displays and also incredibly beautiful gardens. :)
DeleteLet's get this clear: there's no such thing as "too many" when it comes to garden and plant photos. Got it? ;^)
ReplyDeleteMost excellent post--descriptions and photos--thank you, Beth!
Tee hee. OK, I'll keep that in mind. I really kind of went overboard this year, but I guess it's better to have an abundance of photos than too few. :)
DeleteThe Memphis Garden Fling appears to be a spectacular event. You’ve come away with a great collection of photographs that I’m sure will provide inspiration…little ideas, that we can add into our own gardens. Thanks for the great botanical tour!
ReplyDeleteHi Catherine: You're welcome, and thanks for stopping by. The Garden Fling is a wonderful event every year, always in a different location. I'm glad I got to know Memphis a little better after attending this year's event. Next year we'll be in Buffalo, N.Y. Gardeners from other parts of the world usually attend, too. :)
DeleteWow, what a tour! I think I'd have trouble keeping up with all that and thanks for posting as many as you did.
ReplyDeleteJust the chrysalis swing... I like the idea but to me it looks like some medieval-inspired torture device!
So many planting ideas
Hi Frank: It was a great event. I hadn't thought about the swing that way, but I must admit I wasn't sure what it was supposed to be until after studying the shape a bit. That "Big Backyard" garden was really fun!
DeleteWow, what a whirwind! I like the rusty metal? columns used as planters. Also I didn't pick up that was a chrysalis until Frank mentioned it. Thanks for sharing, how meticulous everything is.
ReplyDelete