Memories of the San Antonio Japanese Tea Garden

In recent weeks, several Texan friends have mentioned, on their blogs and social media, that the Texas Mountain Laurels (Dermatophyllum secundiflorum; syn. Sophora secundiflora) were blooming. This reminded me of our time in the state last year. It also reminded me that I hadn't shared highlights from our visit to the San Antonio Japanese Tea Garden, which was a truly unique place!



Several Texas Mountain Laurels were blooming outside the entrance, and we spent some quality time before and after our visit viewing, smelling, and enjoying them. The scent has been described as grape bubblegum, which I recall as being about right.



The pollinators enjoyed them, too. I believe this is a horse-fly carpenter bee.



The tea garden, which is more than 100 years old, exceeded my expectations and was totally different than I expected. It's described as "magical" on the San Antonio Parks web site, and that seems about right. My photos and words don't do it justice: It's one of those places you have to visit to get the full effect. There's so much beautiful rock and stone work everywhere you look, and the layout is so unique.

Built in the pit of a former limestone quarry and cement factory, it was shaped into a pavilion, walkways, arch bridges, pond surrounds, an island, and more.



When we were there, beautiful annuals, along with resident perennials, were on display. These colorful Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus) brightened the late February landscape.



Various grasses, Prickly Pear cacti (Opuntia alta), and other native perennials framed the scene around the property.



The rock work, mixed with beautiful plants and blooms was truly special.



Along with the giant, 60-foot waterfall, which made a dramatic statement.



If/when you visit San Antonio, don't miss this special place. I'm sure it's beautiful and incredible any time of year.

To learn more about the history of the Japanese Tea Garden, and plans for its future, visit the San Antonio Parks Foundation and the San Antonio Parks & Recreation descriptions.

Revisiting the San Antonio Riverwalk

Have you been to San Antonio, Texas? Have you walked along the Riverwalk? We spent the second half of February in San Antonio, and part of the fun was exploring the Riverwalk. We'd been there more than three decades earlier; since then, it's been expanded by more than a dozen miles, so it was even more amazing than during our first visit.

From scenery and landscaping, to restaurants and attractions, to historical landmarks, to parks and fun--there's so much to see and do along the Riverwalk's 15 miles on both sides of the river.



Huge and impressive native Bald Cypress trees (Taxodium distichum) line some areas of the shoreline. Apparently, they can grow to be 100s of years old and 80-120 feet tall.



The landscaping along the Riverwalk includes creative stonework, plantings, and waterfalls. We visited during late winter/early spring, and I can imagine it must be really lovely from mid-spring through November, and colorfully lit during the holidays.



San Antonio has a subtropical climate, so palm trees are also common sights along the way.



It was sweet to see roses blooming in February. While there were no tags on this one, I believe it's a Rosa chinensis cultivar.



Historical landmarks are also fun to explore along the way. This property, the Villa Finale, is a beautiful structure, with equally impressive landscaping surrounding it--even at the end of winter. Also known as the Norton–Polk–Mathis House, it was built in 1876.



Historical markers help to tell the stories.



Heavenly Bamboo shrubs (Nandino domestica) line some of the walkways; during our visit they were laden with bright berries.



And, of course, the Alamo is a must-see during a San Antonio trip. We visited a few of the area's missions, as well.

The weather was great for most of our trip, with highs in the 70s and 80s F during most of the days. We're glad to be home, but it was a wonderful getaway at the end of the winter. More coverage to follow...