Category:

Dallas Garden Shop Legend

7/30/2018

https://www.facebook.com/nicholsonhardie

Nicholson-Hardie is an old & bold Dallas legend. This 4 time winner of the Best of Big D-Garden Shop is an inspiration destination for year round indoor/outdoor gardening & home design. Gift & garden - it's shear heaven!

See the article & the complete list of the Best of Big D 2018
"Founded in 1899, Nicholson-Hardie is the oldest garden shop in Dallas, and it has the know-how that comes with that title. Between its deep selection and a staff that’s all green thumbs, don’t be surprised if you walk out with a fun and unexpected purchase."

Nicholson-Hardie Nursery & Garden
Best of Big D 2018
Big D Magazine on Facebook
Nicholson-Hardie on Facebook

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Summers Cottage-Is This an Iris Farm?

4/23/2018

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When the first round of blooms hit north Texas, iris are the featured artist! They are big, beautiful and fleeting. Photos don't capture the collection of Summers Cottage ruffled and antique varieties. This garden guru may be retired, but gardening is a full time job . . . and a labor of love.

Our home owner shared her beautiful bulbs with us except the peach & apricot varieties. She couldn't let those leave the garden. These are vintage types that are rarer and often will not propagate as newer varieties do. She is a true steward of her garden's vintage legacy.

We couldn't stop staring at the beauty. It was hard to leave. But with our arms full of samples we entered the car to drive home. The dirt caked bulbs smelled rich of recent rains. How lucky we are to experience that "blooming" moment & recapture garden memories from our childhoods.

To start your own iris garden;
Holland Bulb Farms
Argyle Acres Iris Farm

Don't miss McKinney Garden & Home Tour June 9th

Bicycle hidden among the iris at Summers Cottage

Row of Dauntless iris at Summers Cottage

Vintage child's playhouse at Summers Cottage

Child's vintage playhouse at Summers Cottage

Monet's Blue iris with wagon at Summers Cottage

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Revisit Summer Hill Gardens

3/7/2016

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Only a year ago, North Texas was shocked by a late snowstorm that blanketed the entire area. This year, our approach to spring is blanketed by sunshine and warmth. A beautiful garden is beautiful in any weather and we are happy to report this years' weather patterns are taking on a completely different forecast for this area.

Our predictions are best represented by what "Summer Hill" will look like this summer and enjoy a visual revisit to remind you what a country garden can produce!

The Garden of Summer Hill
McKinney Garden Tour - Freda, Freda, Freda
Rare Birds of Summer Hill
Pardon My Garden, Under Construction
Unique by Nature - McKinney's East Side
Blooms & Bees

http://www.howtoloveyourhome.com/blog/the-rare-birds-of-summer-hill

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The Dallas Arboretum, Fall 2015

10/7/2015

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We had to take some time out of our week to visit the Tom Thumb Pumpkin Patch at the Dallas Arboretum this year. You don't need children to go for this "photo op". It is an amazing display of 75,000 pumpkins crafted into seemingly endless walkways, a village and fall botanical color. There are giant pumpkins & tiny ones made into garlands with corn husks. Our favorite was the Cinderella carriage with hay & husk horses. Everyone seemed to have a camera! Several quinceanera photo shoots were taking advantage of the incredible display of autumn. There were princesses of all ages.

It's an unbelievable sight and a must see for young and old. There are tram tours that are driven by guides who make it a great experience for those who don't want to walk the distance. An outdoor cafe that serves brats on the patio to help you get the all-around October feel of the space.

To end our tour of a beautiful visit, we headed northwest on the trails to enjoy the fountains, waterfalls and view of White Rock Lake.

Enjoy autumn in it's greatest setting. It doesn't last long around here!

http://www.dallasarboretum.org/visit/seasonal-festivals-events/pumpkin-patch

Dallas Arboretum photos taken for Quinceanera

Dallas Arboretum Cinderella Horse & Carriage

Mums, pumpkins & foliage at the Dallas Arboretum

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Effortless Elegance

10/1/2015

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Through design editing, her home evolved into simplistic grandeur.

http://apps2.shoot2sell.net/gallery/2211-stanford-ct-mckinney-tx/

For a broader view, click on the photo for the link

Patricia's elegant style is extraordinary -- but only looks effortless. Through design editing, her home evolved into simplistic grandeur. She creates a distinct continuity that flows throughout the house.
Not one to boast, her humble attitude makes her a better curator of luxury than most. European architectural pieces give it old world style. Being a first generation Italian-American, classic style is in her DNA.
The outdoor space lends itself to a formal garden with a beachy undertow. Patricia designed it much like the interior -- classic yet very casual.
The devil maybe in the details, but this style is heavenly!

Rustic furniture is made elegant by adding gold and glitz.

Restoration Hardware chairs with slipcovers add a relaxed mood to this space.

Old world elements-from How to Love Your Home

Marble, wood, brass & steel are old world elements.

Slate grey piping elevates the look on this slipcover.

Interesting collections-from How to Love Your Home

Older steamer trunk and crystal decanters help to find that medium space between rustic and elegant.

Drapery continuity should be noticed throughout the house.

More of that coastal presence in the Master. Unassuming Custom Headboard With Vintage Linens

It's all in the details--from How to Love Your Home

Casual studio-from How to Love Your Home

Office/jewelry studio has a casual, comfortable feel.

Less is more when it comes to style. Simplicity is the key to success.

Perfume decanter collections adds a feminine touch

Modern touches keep this elegant space from being stuffy.

Organic without stuffiness-from How to Love Your Home

Cane, wing chair given the "Patricia treatment" with a European, grain sack.

Velveteen replaces tattered leather seats.

This grouping includes a miniature, pastoral book. Her design sense unites curious pieces.

The galvanized pot rack, made by Patricia's husband, utilizes this unique space.

The galvanized pot rack, made by Patricia's husband, utilizes this unique space.

Pet mattresses made of cream linen & white trim are inside her cupboards.

Patricia updated these chairs with a coat of paint on the fabric and wood.

Elegant & organic - poolside

Outdoor rooms are defined by statuary and plantings.

Patricia designed the gardens & did much of the work herself

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Garden Wedding - Put Your Money Where Your Yard Is

10/16/2014

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Gray hues throughout provide cohesive design.

Old garden gate painted to perfect patina by local artist.

Historic McKinney is the perfect location for garden weddings. Large yards or small gardens can equally accommodate an outdoor celebration. It can be a labor of love for a homeowner and a bride & groom. Instead of investing in a commercial venue, many families are opting to revitalize their own yards for these special occasions.

This garden's extraordinary transformation went from average to over the moon. This project developed with many months of planning, patience, & being surrounded by friends and professionals. Oh and not to mention some serious nail biting!

Some yards can be DIY projects while others may require architects & contractors. We all know our limits in time & budgets. Planning ahead is everything. It can be something as easy as a can of paint & recovering furniture cushions, to building a fancy courtyard with fountains, lighting, fencing & big trees.

There are many resources (thank you Pinterest!) to help design the look you want. So plan early!

See our prior post to help you get started with planning your event Garden Parties

Salvaged doors & arch provide dramatic entrance.

Broad view of courtyard seating area.

A small corner refuge in courtyard.

Notice the guest seating in the courtyard for the ceremony

Vintage cake topper under cloche'. Catering provided by food truck, in background of photo. So simple!

Guest tables dispersed throughout yard including this S'mores Bar .

Iced refreshments in galvanized tubs.

Popcorn & candy bar under a lit canopy.

Custom drink menu.

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Sunflowers

7/9/2013

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Allen and Fairview, Texas have bumper crops of sunflowers this year, planted just off Hwy 75. Police presence has been necessary to guard the fields to keep trespassers from crossing the yellow police tape. Sunflowers being a cash crop, should not be compromised by photographers & intruders damaging flowers by trying the get "the shot". Who would have ever expected a farmer would have to go to such drastic measures? This is not Fort Knox; these are sunflowers on private property. I took pictures along with other photo buffs, but I did not brush a petal through the process. Would you like somebody to come into your yard and take your shrubs?

Bluebonnets have become rare on roadsides, so photo ops have shifted to other flowers. I understand how irresistible the sea of sunflowers can be, but it is paramount to have "hands off" respect & appreciation for the flower, the field and the farmer.

http://www.wfaa.com/news/local/collin/Trespassers-are-trampling-familys-sunflower-farm-212702861.html

To see some of the photos from the local contest on McKinney's Town Square Buzz, https://www.facebook.com/TownSquareBuzz?fref=ts

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Unique by Nature - McKinney's East Side

5/19/2013

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Old paint, new paint

McKinney is divided by Hwy 75. East is Old McKinney, the original town's center. West McKinney has planned developments that were originally farms & ranches. As with all towns that grow fast, the original side of town has maintained its "Mayberry" attitude. It has small developments but most of the east side homes are individual & independently built. Many older homes are being sold to newcomers & we are seeing a great change.

East McKinney is being revitalized for a new generation. What has been seen as "old", is new again through a changing demographic. The historic square has changed to meet the needs of younger, hipper families who are looking for that urban/suburban oasis. A little something for everyone!

With growth comes growing pains. New visions for old homes sometimes makes change difficult. The double edged sword of change, means those of us who have been here a longtime have to adapt. The freedom to express unique ideas about your home is what makes living here so special.

We have the unexpected at every turn; bold colors, wildy yards, chain link, picket & iron fences (in the front yard), artistic sculptures, vintage structures & "in-town" farms, not to mention aviaries, greenhouses, & chicken coops! We thrive on making our homes our own. The love of our community is what makes East Siders "Unique by Nature"!

See the CNN Money article http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/best-places/2012/snapshots/PL4845744.html

Old stacked fence

Aviary in the rose garden

Awnings, drapes & a porch swing

Jewel house

Antique Ambulance

Sidewalk garden

Iron & concrete bridge

Owner's office view is best

Rose garden gate

New townhouses- Old look!

"In-Town" farm

Morning walk

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Pardon My Garden, Under Construction

4/11/2013

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Every gardener will tell you their garden is a work in progress. No matter how fabulous or needy & weedy, we all believe it can be more. I have neglected mine for about four years and it shows. I have rescued 2 puppies. After the first one was a couple years old, along came another puppy. Love the puppies, but they have made my entire back yard a hot mess. The puppies are big now and have outgrown digging holes where plants stood and taking sticks and old basketballs and whipping the tops off flowers. This is the year to change things and take back my space.

I am eternally swapping seeds, seedlings and bulbs with friends and neighbors. Most gardeners are happy to share their wealth of garden goods. Just yesterday, while I was out, a friend dropped off several pots of plants she thinned out from her own garden. She left me names and  instructions about the nature of the plants, so I could determine the best planting place for them. I have received and planted some very invasive plants and regretted their rapid garden take-over. Free doesn't mean it works. I am an organic gardener and prefer to keep it that way. I don't judge those who are not organic, but once it hits my yard, that is how it will be grown. Take caution in your choices to make sure it works for you.

I am currently splitting my favorites and replanting them to create new spots and this year has started to look like a good year to get back in gear.  The weather has been very cool and rainy for North Texas and I have taken advantage of this great weeding and seeding season. Never miss a good gardening opportunity.

How fortunate for me, my favorite organic gardener is coming to McKinney.  Steve Diver of Austin, Texas is having a seminar at Diggin' It this Saturday. "Organic Backyard Gardening" is worth the time and $10.  Steve Diver's passion for organic gardening makes you want to do more and he shows how simple it is to go organic. See ya Saturday! The photo above is from Tracey Collins' garden last year...my goal is to have this look.

http://thedigginitshop.blogspot.com/2013/04/organic-backyard-gardening-with-steve.html

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McKinney Garden Tour - Fredda, Fredda, Fredda

6/14/2012

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If you didn't make the McKinney Garden Tour, well, your luck has changed. I had the opportunity to do some sewing for Fredda Perkins as she was preparing her home for the garden tour. It's not like she couldn't sew her own pillows and mattress covers (she has made more pillows than me!), but she ran out of time...and the desire to work with oil cloth.

I would like to share the photos of her pink Victorian and it's garden, located in Historic McKinney. A home like this is rare, as is Fredda's talent and vision that she turned into reality.

Enjoy - there are surprises around every corner!