How Does Your Garden Grow? {June 2017}

We have had 9 straight days of rain in southern Louisiana, so the gardens are quite lush, and the sugar kettle is overflowing.

The front garden is really growing well with begonias, caladiums, giant leopard leaves, and more.

The white queen caladiums along the wall really look great too. Along with cast iron leaves and ferns, this garden leads to the gate to the side yard.

The Front Garden, y'all!

How Does Your Garden Grow ? {Spring 2017}

Recently, I planted the late spring/summer begonias. The front garden is looking very lush as temperatures have been so pleasant.

As you can spot, one of the begonias dares to be different. In a sea of white begonias, there is one pink begonia. Yes! I left it. Dare to be different, folks!

The front garden consists of sweet olive trees, cast-iron plants, indian hawthorne, hydrangeas, foxtail ferns, and the giant leopard plants. I also added several caladium plants as well as bulbs that have yet to sprout out of the ground. The caladiums will grow out of the giant leopard plants. As I've stated many times, I just love a garden of greens and whites. Besides looking great during the day, the white pops at night.

Giant Leopard Plant: click HERE

Have you accomplished your spring plant yet?

How does your garden grow, y'all?

#tbt {The Courtyard}

Private. Lush. Tropical.

Many New Orleanians live in their private backyards, and J & I are no exception. We love our “secret gardens”. Head out the sliding doors of the breakfast room and meet me in the courtyard. You might want to bring an Arnold Palmer…





The courtyard does not get much direct sunlight no matter how many times or how much the large hollies are pruned. Aspidistra leaves (also known as cast-iron leaves), palms, ferns, elephant ears, and caladiums fill the grounds and many planters in the yard. The courtyard is a lush, tropical oasis.

You can get much more information on the cast iron plants here: http://www.epicgardening.com/cast-iron-plant/



All of the furniture was used from out previous Atlanta yard and fit perfectly in various spots on the courtyard.



The courtyard features a built in brick pond/fountain. The sound is very soothing.



The large metal farm troughs hold various plants and herbs.



The alley way includes many more cast-iron leaves, ferns, and elephant ears.



A view from the second floor balcony down to the courtyard.



Today, enjoy more of the tour of the rear courtyard. The courtyard includes an upper balcony area along the rear of the house, a covered area perfect for relaxing, and a lower brick spot for dining & grilling.

Upper area:












Lower area: 
(Believe it or not, I do love the green algae which grows readily on the old brick. It certainly gives the courtyard character and charm.)















One of my favorite gifts, a rooster weathervane.



View from the courtyard to the second floor balcony outside the master bedroom.



Canopy of holly trees.



Major Sources:
Furniture- Frontgate, Lowe’s, Overstock.com, Frontera
Outdoor Rugs- Frontgate
Outdoor Pillows- Frontgate, Ballard Designs, Lowe’s
Farm troughs- Ace Hardware
Grill- Home Depot
Plants- Green Parrot Nursery, Perino’s Nursery, Ganier’s Nursery
(If you have a question about any other item, simply leave a comment, and I will gladly get back to you.)

I hope you enjoyed your time on this “secret garden” tour.

Courtyards, y’all!