A Private Retreat

The traditional front yard of this Crestview Drive home gave no clue to the peaceful retreat we would discover in the backyard. As we turned the corner to the side yard we came across this beautiful waterfall and rock garden outside of their screen enclosure. Then the potting shed in the backyard caught our eye.

Both of us swooned over this adorable green potting shed. What gardener doesn't dream about having a potting shed? And, a cute one at that.

We spent a lot of time looking in and around this quaint potting shed, not wanting to miss 

any detail of it.

We spoke of how this dainty red Mandevilla vine was the exact right choice to climb up the shed, and how the window boxes added an extra cute detail. 

Finally, we tore ourselves away from the potting shed to take in the rest of the yard. Their backyard is mostly shady and backs up to a neighbor's yard which has a wide swath of plants, as well, giving both homes plenty of privacy. 

We discovered some very pretty rose bushes heading toward the sunnier side of the yard.

The grass has been eliminated on this portion of the back and side yards. More rose bushes can be found in this sunnier location, as well as a collection of succulents and Crown of Thorns. All showcased in pretty pottery and a birdbath. 

Here's a close-up view of the beautiful yellow rose pictured above. 

Next to the screened pool cage is a small and peaceful Zen garden with an Asian flare.

This clever homeowner transformed an old tree stump into a unique planter. This is going to be a great combination when both plants reach their maximum size.

Before leaving we glanced back over the backyard and enjoyed the peace and tranquility that this backyard space provides. 

We were drawn back over to enjoy the shade of the large Camphor tree, relax a bit and chat with the garden club attendant. It's a wonderful and peaceful escape for the homeowners to relax and enjoy the fruits of their labor.

Spring Fling in the Garden

This is the second time this garden has been included on the Lakes & Hills Garden Club tour, and there's a good reason for it - it's a feast for the eyes with all of its colorful annuals and whimsical, repurposed decor. It was originally on the tour in the fall of 2013 (you can view that post here) and was decorated for autumn. This time (2018) it's spring time and once again the gardeners did not disappoint with their colorful spring decor.

One thing I especially like about this garden is that the only grass is a circle in the front yard. This gardener is NOT wasting space on boring turf that needs constant water and chemicals. Instead they've chosen to create a Florida-Friendly yard.

Here's a view from the home looking out to the road. That's all the turf grass there is. Another wise choice these gardeners made is to utilize the planting area beneath the large Live oak by planting a variety of bromeliads with a few ferns sprinkled in. The bromeliads spread quickly, love the shade and require virtually no water to survive, as they are air plants. They're a great choice for this area and they require very little care.

As you approach their front door, the garden takes on a cottage feel. Tucked in next to the front door is a very private patio where the homeowners can sit and enjoy a cup of coffee or a meal while they watch all of the bird activity in their Live Oak.

Now let's head around to the side of the house where there is a welcoming entrance into their 

little piece of paradise.

There's plenty of shady places to sit and relax.

In this side garden that runs alongside a very long driveway, they've created a visually appealing garden in, mostly, pots.

On the far side of the driveway they've managed to create privacy with a variety of green foliage plants and small trees, which also provide a very nice background for their potted plants.

Here's a continuing view of the garden alongside the driveway. They've got a nice mix of pottery and old items, along with more seating areas.

Their pottery is filled with a nice mix of spring blooming plants. They've added boxwood as a frame and backdrop for their collection of pots, and I think it works quite well together.

As we turn our heads to the other side of the pathway we discover a very colorful mix of plants adorning the patio attached to their home. 

Just the right touches everywhere you look.

A lion fountain on the wall is softened with a tall shrub.

And, as we continue walking past the patio area toward the back of the house we see another colorful and eclectic mix of plants, pottery and fun garden items...all in that cottage style.

One final look back at this side and it's pretty enough to be in a garden magazine!!

Here's the expanded view looking back towards the patio.

This eclectic, cottage-style garden is always very pretty and interesting...no matter what the season.