I have always loved flowers.  I can remember planting my first flower garden outside of our apartment when I was seven.  I got a few small plants (not sure where I got them) dug up a piece of the community front yard under a window and put in my plants.  This was over fifty years ago.  I think the maintenance/groundskeepers thought it was cute. These days these actions would have probably gone against some safety precautions. But this began my love of flowers and it has been developing over the years.  So, it is no surprise that I would end up on a 5 acre farm, where I can plant as many flowers that I want.  

I also visit other people’s gardens for ideas.  I call this reconnaissance missions. My recent exploring took me to Roanoke for the Virginia’s Historic Garden Week tours. The gardens that are around Virginia are  hosted by local garden clubs in these areas. 

It was a rainy day but that did not diminish the beauty of the dwellings.  I have always enjoyed Roanoke, Virginia and I plan to tell you more places to explore there in future posts.  

To say the  gardens in Roanoke were impressive would be an understatement. Each of the home’s we visited had unique features. One had a mirror in the garden wall that made you feel as though you were Alice walking through the looking glass.

One master gardener made garline with roses and another made a bee topiary with flowers.  There was even a bee hotel.  

All other gardens I visited provided a wealth of ideas on how I could  transform areas on my own property.  Now I think I should mention that many of the gardens visited had professional landscapers assist in creating them.

However, that does not deter me, my husband or son we just create what we can.   Don’t forget to explore your local garden shops, flower shows and farmers markets for deals on plants.  Buying local really helps your community. 

The best part of gardening is you can explore and create at the same time. What a way to live. Go EXPLORE some gardens in your area.  Then start CREATING.