July 4, 2026
A park in my Denver neighborhood is named after George Washington (it was named in 1899 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Washington’s death), and within the park is Mount Vernon Gardens. What better day to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary and walk together through the gardens?
Under sunset skies earlier this week, the meadow garden was blooming with purple coneflowers and other pollinator favorites.
Long view of Mt Vernon Gardens across Lake Grasmere
The garden was officially laid out in honor of George and Martha Washington’s home garden at Mount Vernon.
Meadow path towards Lake Grasmere
Sweat bee on Tennessee purple coneflower (Echinacea tennesseensis)
Bees also stopped by.
Light purple cornflower (Echinacea pallida)
Red Mexican Hat (Ratibida columnifera)
sunflower
Cleome
A meadow garden with cornflowers, yarrow and Mexican hats
Tall trees around the park create a green backdrop for the sunny meadow garden.
Sea lavender (Limonium latifolium)
Rattlesnake Master (Eryngium yuccifolium)
Showy melon (Erigeron speciosus)
Yellow cornflowers and spiderwort at night
mexican hat and yarrow
Mexican hat and goldenrod
Flowering tobacco (Nicotiana sylvestris)
Nicotiana and ephedra
I’ve been battling pesky Japanese beetles in this garden, but all I noticed was them biting into my battered hollyhock.
There are rabbits all over Wash Park as well. Cute kids though.
Paddle a paddle steamer on Smith Lake under a twilight sky
last cruise of the evening
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“‘Gardens of Texas’ is not your typical doorstop-cum-coffee-table book filled with beautiful images of beautiful gardens you could never hope to realize. The photographs are definitely inspiring, but Pam’s thoughtful and detailed storytelling and the ‘Try This At Home’s features make me feel empowered to create similar garden magic…on a late August afternoon when the mercury soars in Austin and we’re stuck indoors, this is what I curl up with. ”
–MomInAustin, Amazon Reviewer
Gardens of Texas: A vision of resilience from the Lone Star State is here! Enjoyed by anyone who loves gardens and the natural beauty of Texas. Available at Amazon, other online book retailers, and stores nationwide. Click here for more information.
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