willsfamilyacres

Oxblood Lily

Ruby Crystal Grass

Ruby Crystal Grass

Tropical Sage

Liriope

Carl … just because

This garden was something to behold. It was our last garden on the tour, and we drove all well into Wisconsin for this beauty. After arriving the gardener and artist, DeRaad, insisted that we all take a tour. We split into two groups and I chose to DeRaad’s group and stayed close to the front, very interested to hear her story and the inspiration behind her art.

This one-armed sculpture was DeRaad’s first. She said that you could easily tell her early figures by the hand-drawn face, since the self-taught sculptor had not yet learned how to craft facial features. At some point a branch fell and broke snapped the arm from this fellow. She creatively dealt with the problem.

I then asked the artist what inspired her to begin mosaics and sculpting. She said that potters previously resided in the 1800 farmhouse and flawed pottery had been broken against the trees. When she found the broken pieces she decided to do something with them, and her mosaic work began.

The garden was a walk through time, marked by these incredible arches, the last one I managed to catch my friend Diana (from SharingNaturesGarden).

DeRaad also had an assortment of colorful benches. She showed us how to make benches, specifically how to make them strong enough to support 20 people. She insisted that it is so easy, and we all can do it. I’m a little skeptical!

The artist clearly is fascinated with birds. Avian sculptures from flamingos to chickens to woodpeckers dotted the landscape.

These birds are in the early stage. She is planning to add them to a bench she’s working on.

This very personal sculpture was created in honor of her son. DeRaad said her son has always been a bit of a daredevil and has been near death several times. On one of these occasions, when she wasn’t sure if he’d pull through, she poured her heart into her work.

This stunning farmhouse actually belongs to the neighbors. How lucky to have such an incredible backdrop.

Finishing off with a few more favorites.

Living in Austin and growing up in Phoenix, I had never been exposed to hostas. My first introduction was the Garden Bloggers Fling in Portland, OR two years ago. I immediately fell in love. If I didn’t have several Austinites convincing me that they just won’t grow here, I would have wasted countless dollars by now, purchasing and repurchasing these lush, leafy beauties.

I had the pleasure of attending the 9th Annual Garden Bloggers Fling this month. Although I suffered with a stomach bug for a good chunk of the trip , I was still able to enjoy some  beautiful gardens, visit with some incredible people, and take a ton of photos. I missed one day and had to take it easy the other two, but I’ll still post about some of my favorite gardens.

The first garden we visited was Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary. Eloise Butler was a teacher near the turn of the century and upon her death donated this beautiful garden. Those caring for the garden have done a great job of making it look completely natural and native.

Many of the wildflowers in the prairie garden were similar to what we have in Austin. The big difference was the height. Where our plants struggle with our lack of rain, and exist as small shrubs, in Minneapolis these same flowers towered over us. There were times you couldn’t see more than a few feet in front of you.

After the prairie garden, we had the chance to stroll through the woodland garden. Here they let fallen trees lie in place, providing habitats for wildlife. I also couldn’t help but snap a picture of the geometric structure on this bridge.