Dianne's Creative Table

I am inspired by light, all things natural, reusing previously loved items, and bargains!

Thursday, June 14, 2012

The Secret Garden

To begin, let me just say, I have the best in-laws in the world!   
It makes sense that they would be great people because they raised two of the best sons ever and I was lucky enough to marry one of them! 
My MIL has varied interests, but she is really into color, fabric, flowers, and decorating.   My FIL worked as a landscaper for the state of TN for years before starting his own business.  Now that he is retired, he helps my husband with his landscaping business. He works harder and longer than than all the young guys put together.
You may remember my husband's entries and wins at the Antique and Garden Show posted HEREHERE, and HERE.  The gardens are always a family affair with my in-laws working harder than anyone.  At the end of each show, the plants that haven't sold and need a home usually come home and join our family. 
My in-laws have a lovely garden of their own.  Come with me on a stroll through their beautiful gardens with many of the plants brought home from previous garden shows.
On the way to their home, we drive past Ke$$ha's house just a few houses away. Apparently she's a celebrity.  
Moving on to my in-law's house.  This is the garden area that greets you as you come down the drive.  

 Anabelle and Oak Leaf Hydrageas outline her herb garden.
This is the view from their awesome back deck.  This is one corner of their two level deck that spans the entire length of the house. They have entertained with dinner, music, wedding receptions, etc on this large and spacious deck.
My FIL was on the roof taking some of these shots!  This is looking up the drive and there are more hydrageas above the front patio.  When my husband and his brother were young, their project for many years was terracing this yard and putting in all those bricks. 
Along the way to the secret hydragea garden, there are some unique Hosta plants.  I don't know the exact name, but they put up these pods, which then turn bright orange and then they leaf out in the winter. 
This is the entry to the secret garden. 
 
The gate weighs about 400 pounds and took six grown men to install.  It was purchased at one of the Antique and Garden Shows. 
This is the view the greets you as you enter into the garden. 
 
 

 Since my MIL likes her flowers like her people; strong and upright!, she had all the weaker stemmed plants moved above the garden wall. 
Another roof shot of the entire garden.  They have private access to this area from their bedroom. 

She sent me home with a couple of blooms.


I added a Calla Lilly from my garden and put them next to my newest orchid.
Thanks for visiting the secret garden.   I will be visiting the following parties:
Tablescape Thursday
Seasonal Sunday


17 comments:

  1. Amazing and beautiful! Do they allow 'tours' of their gorgeous gardens? Sign me up if they do :). hugs, Linda

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  2. I love the secret garden!! Wouldn't it be nice if we all had one?

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  3. Beautiful garden, we just moved into a house that has two courtyards. The house sat empty for three years with minimal yard work so I am trying day by day to bring them back to life. Seeing all the beautiful flowers your family grows makes me want to work harder. Thanks for sharing.
    Sandy

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  4. Wow, it is a beautiful garden. Such gorgeous hydrangeas, love every color.

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  5. Gorgeous! What a treat for me as hydrangeas are my favorite flowers! Absolutely beautiful. Thanks for sharing.
    Cindy

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  6. Wow! what an amazing garden and a beautiful tribute to both of your in laws. Wonderful as always to have you be a part of Seasonal Sundays.

    - The Tablescaper

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  7. That is a lovely place to be. The flowers are beautiful. One of my favorites. Thank you for sharing.

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  8. You had me at Secret Garden~ LOVE! Hydrangeas are my favorite flowers~ Annabelle, Oakleaf or the large French style. Just gorgeous!

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  9. What a beautiful garden they have.

    I love all the hydrangeas they have.

    Can just imagine walking aroud their property
    and seeing all the beauty.

    Denise

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  10. What an amazing garden, not to mention that it is off their bedroom. Who would want to take their morning coffee it this lovely garden. Hydrangeas are some of my favorites. Wish we could successfully grow them here. Fortunately the oak leaf does well in my garden.
    Thanks for sharing this beautiful garden. ~ sarah

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  11. Hi darling, thanks for taking us along to view this beautiful garden. hugs ~lynne~

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  12. What fabulous gardens! Such a beautiful location for a home. What a treasure!!

    Hugs,
    Susan and Bentley

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  13. This is incredible! The years of hard work and the dedication to making it beautiful is evident. Thank you so much for sharing -- I am going to show it to my husband -- I want him to get inspired!

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  14. Oh, Dianne.... Breathtaking... I can hardly stand the beauty. Oh My Goodness... I want to move in ... but only in the spring and fall. I just cannot get over the beauty of it all... The sons did a great job when they were young and following the leadership of their father!
    I need Chris's insight... too bad AZ is so different from TN!!!! Oh, but wait.. maybe the elevation of 7200 ft. is not so different...

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  15. Wow....what absolutely beautiful pictures!! I would love to live there!

    If you would like to participate, I have left an award for you on my blog.
    http://plumperfect.blogspot.com/2012/06/sunshine-award.html

    I hope you have a really wonderful day!
    Aledia @ Plum Perfect

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