July 11, 2025
When Memphis ran out in early June, we were dropped off in the Lennox area one morning. There, a tour sign showed us the gardens open. In one house, we were welcomed by wooden pillars topped with architectural rescue, a trio of Dutch Hatfinials.
The orb topped with scrap metal rings gave it a Saturn vibe.
The ruffled silver gate leads into the long silver space.
The upcycled milk jug planters hang from a shiny metal fence, each adding more silver in the form of subsequent silver pony foot.
Painted flowers and other designs add color to your upside down jug.
Here are a few more, including someone staring at me with painted eyes.
The rusty leaves of Japanese maple stand out on the silver fence.
The spacious patio with a fire pit sits close to the house, while the other patios are invited to the distance.
Behind the hammocks, many of these unique post toppers are attracting attention.
In the brick pond, mossy upright stones and herons add a bit of Asian garden style.
When I found this bust in the garden…
…I didn’t realize it was the twins of owner Michael McClain. You’ll see that too, don’t you? Michael explained with a laugh that a friend saw a bust in a roadside store and had peeled off to get it. “It’s the god of the North Wind,” he said. That may be true, but does that make Michael the god of the South?
A hanging light pulled my gaze upwards on top of a small deck at the back of the garden.
Pink hydrangea, St. John’s wort and banana make early summer combos.
Pet Table “Sunburst” St. John’s Wort
Colorful beaded strings add zing to recovered security doors and grates.
And the tallest asparagus I have ever seen – truly asparagus, really – stands in feathery glory by the shed.
Next: Art Deco Houses and Gardens. Looking back at John Mark Sharp, arrange flowers and whip a giant bow. Please click here.
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My new book, Gardens in Texas: A vision of resilience from Lone Star State, is coming on October 14th! You can now pre-order on Amazon and other online book sellers. If you think you’d read it or want to give it as a holiday gift, consider pre-ordering. (I’m glad I signed a pre-order copy at my book event!) Early ordering makes a huge difference in helping new books get attention. For more information about Texas Gardens, click here – Thank you for your support.
Come and see me on the tour! I will be talking about book events in Texas this fall and next spring, and celebrating the release of Texas Gardens. Join me, learn, inspire, and say hello!
Learn about gardening and design at Garden Sparks! I organize face-to-face talks in Austin several times a year, inspire designers, landscape architects, authors and gardeners to inspire and inspire designers, landscape architects. These are events with limited attendance that sold out quickly, so join our Garden Spark Mealment List and notify us in advance. Simply click on this link and ask them to add it. Find out all about the Season 8 lineup here!
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