“I’m gettin’ bugged driving up and down this same old strip, I gotta finda new place where the kids are hip” – The Beach Boys, 1964.
This past May of 2013, I was searching out a place to relocate. When a garden tour coincided with a friend’s invitation to stay there, I was Austin and San Antonio-bound, just to give it another chance…mine was a 685 mile route, plus other diversions.
I’ve lived in Nebraska, Colorado, Belgium, Alabama, Colorado / Oklahoma, California, Colorado yet again, New Mexico, and now, far-out west Texas. half of that the last two places.
That may be why I see better gardens as those aspiring to a place’s uniqueness and natural attributes.
* precipitation amounts listed for each different place are average yearly amounts, and they can vary by the year (source: http://www.weatherbase.com/)
That’s but one important journey this landscape architect had to make. So, how do my fellow ladies and knights of the Roundtable see a journey? Right – here and here –
12 Replies to “Garden Designers Roundtable – Journey”
You really did see a lot now didn’t you!!!!! I am in love with the Faxon Yucca house and garden…..crisp!
So lucky I got to meet you on this LONG journey you took :)
Yes, as always! Great meeting you and seeing Casa Heather…the journey continues, even though I’ve mostly settled…
Happy Be-lated Thanksgiving!
Also a gorgeous collection of photos! Especially the meadow and the flowering yucca. Getting a serious case of wanderlust…
Belated T-giving to you! Thanks, trips I made from old house to Austin were great, almost as nice as seeing some favorite people there!
I’ll echo the thanks already voiced for sharing a bit of your journey so thoughtfully. I am struck how it is the small moments in so many gardens that elevates them from “space” to “surrounding”.
Good point, in the subtle details or lighting, related to covering space vs. making a special destination!
Driving to jobs across the Atlanta metro area I feel like I’m driving thru post-apocalyptic USA. Once subdivisions transition their original owners the store fronts are empty or pawn shops, tattoo parlors, resale shops, immigrant food ventures, DUI driving schools, bail bonding, burned out apartment buildings, a lot of food for thought.
Once saw a tall, elegant woman from Africa on the sidewalk with a scar that could have only come from a machete across her entire face neck….and she walked proud. Will NEVER forget her.
Garden & Be Well, XO Tara
James Kunstler isn’t far off, right to tattoo parlors taking over old buildings! Yet the rebirth with new “blood” like the woman you mention gives hope. Or the guy I met from Llano with the old building facades, who thought I might move there and live, and go into Austin, San Antonio, etc for work meetings, socializing.
Enjoyed following your journey. Watching for cool ranch gates is a favorite activity on country drives.
Fun to look back at all your visits to Texas this year. The “well-placed bench” helps discourage deer from jumping the fence.
I forgot you saying that, a nice diversion. Now to go east of SA/ATX all the way! And that is well-placed that serves more than 1 purpose, even better.
Thanks for taking us along on your journey. I found the average rainfall amounts interesting and quite telling when you look at the native vegetation. BTW, wow, you’ve lived in a lot of places!
I hoped someone would catch that important part, and I’m planning 1-2 future posts on what scenery and landscapes result. Yes, many!
You really did see a lot now didn’t you!!!!! I am in love with the Faxon Yucca house and garden…..crisp!
So lucky I got to meet you on this LONG journey you took :)
Yes, as always! Great meeting you and seeing Casa Heather…the journey continues, even though I’ve mostly settled…
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Happy Be-lated Thanksgiving!
Also a gorgeous collection of photos! Especially the meadow and the flowering yucca. Getting a serious case of wanderlust…
Belated T-giving to you! Thanks, trips I made from old house to Austin were great, almost as nice as seeing some favorite people there!
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Limestone and Cor-Ten: what a great combo!
Looking forward to following your new adventure.
Yes, both durable, and Curt Arnette has a way with hardscape. An adventure so far!
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What a journey! Hope the destination — your new home — is exciting, engaging, and transformative!
Yes, and I’m beat! And me too, so here’s to giving it all I’ve got w/o losing any.
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Wow…I never realized that Portland only gets a bit more rain than Austin (I think we’re around 37″ or so annually).
That is a surprise to many, though PDX gets most in winter w/ cooler temps (and less humidity with heat)!
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I’ll echo the thanks already voiced for sharing a bit of your journey so thoughtfully. I am struck how it is the small moments in so many gardens that elevates them from “space” to “surrounding”.
Good point, in the subtle details or lighting, related to covering space vs. making a special destination!
LikeLike
Empty store fronts.
Driving to jobs across the Atlanta metro area I feel like I’m driving thru post-apocalyptic USA. Once subdivisions transition their original owners the store fronts are empty or pawn shops, tattoo parlors, resale shops, immigrant food ventures, DUI driving schools, bail bonding, burned out apartment buildings, a lot of food for thought.
Once saw a tall, elegant woman from Africa on the sidewalk with a scar that could have only come from a machete across her entire face neck….and she walked proud. Will NEVER forget her.
Garden & Be Well, XO Tara
James Kunstler isn’t far off, right to tattoo parlors taking over old buildings! Yet the rebirth with new “blood” like the woman you mention gives hope. Or the guy I met from Llano with the old building facades, who thought I might move there and live, and go into Austin, San Antonio, etc for work meetings, socializing.
LikeLike
Enjoyed following your journey. Watching for cool ranch gates is a favorite activity on country drives.
Fun to look back at all your visits to Texas this year. The “well-placed bench” helps discourage deer from jumping the fence.
I forgot you saying that, a nice diversion. Now to go east of SA/ATX all the way! And that is well-placed that serves more than 1 purpose, even better.
LikeLike
Thanks for taking us along on your journey. I found the average rainfall amounts interesting and quite telling when you look at the native vegetation. BTW, wow, you’ve lived in a lot of places!
I hoped someone would catch that important part, and I’m planning 1-2 future posts on what scenery and landscapes result. Yes, many!
LikeLike
Fab post Dave! Best R
Thanks, R!
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