By Doris Green
When I walk out from my home, I am overwhelmed with the beautiful blessings that surround me. I have always loved to garden and I have a passion for plants of all kinds. About 11 years ago, my husband and I decided to move from Austin to the small community of Jerrell. The acre that we bought was truly a blank canvas, just a large lot of land with a dried up tank in the back. After having a well dug so we could keep the tank at a constant level, we began to landscape around it. There are trees and plants overflowing the banks, as well as water lilies and other aquatic plants scattered throughout the pond. We strategically placed swings and benches so that we could sit and take in the beautiful views.
After the pond and its landscaping were set, we began work on the many other features that we have on our property. Coming toward the house, there is both a rose garden and an iron gazebo that showcase my beautiful rose collection. Against the house, you will find an outdoor dining area that is surrounded by a Mexican herb garden. On the back porch, there are rockers and a porch swing with many flowers and potted plants that welcome both hummingbirds and butterflies. As you cross the back porch, you enter my oriental-themed garden, with beautiful honeycomb rocks and hand-painted stepping stones.
The front yard is an assortment of island beds. These mini gardens create a cottage garden feel; draped with statuaries and a wide array of garden art. Throughout these gardens you find many daylilies—these hidden jewels sparkle in the sun, each with its own unique characteristics. My family and I are looking forward to your visit. There is a lot to discover in our yard; not only do we showcase roses, herbs, and daylilies, we have many collections of beautiful heirloom plants.
As you visit and are enjoying our property, I challenge you to discover our surprise “Oz” themed garden. You will not be disappointed. As I said, I am truly blessed with a husband that does more than his share in keeping our gardens tip top, and generous friends and family that contribute to the assortment of plants and garden art. We can’t wait to share our treasures with you. Until then, I will leave you with a quote from Jane Austen, “The beauties of nature must for me be one of the joys of heaven.”
