Sometimes, a brick is worth a thousand words. In this case, my old salvaged brick was worth about three packages of old bulbs that Boone Holladay gifted me at the garden tour. Boone was one of the amazing horticulturists that I met at the recent garden tour. It was so enjoyable meeting such talented gardeners who are passionate in their specific fields. A huge thanks to Lisa Whittlsey, the driving force behind the conference.
I can’t even begin to share my thankfulness and gratitude towards all those who helped make the gardens look beautiful. I was reading through last year’s journal about “working hard to get the gardens ready for something”, but I was completely unaware of what that future “something” would look like. Old journals remind us of how much things have grown. We can look back and see all the prayers that have been answered, and the dreams that have come true…..even the simplest little garden dreams.
I would like to personally share my thanks to Faith Bridge, an adult Sunday School class at the Church of Horseshoe Bay. Faith Bridge has been instrumental in supporting the Agape Haus through their generous scholarships towards children’s lessons, instrument repair, music and garden supplies. I honestly could not do all that I do without their help and support behind the scenes. A lot of prayers go into a project such as the Agape Haus Studio and Garden. In fact, a few years back, Dwight and Jamie King helped turn the studio into a LLC. Dwight used to ask me what my dreams were….not just any dreams, but the big dreams. Dwight has been a constant encouragement along the way. Jamie, his lovely better half, volunteered her entire morning the day of the tour, polishing up the Studio itself, and spreading mulch in the Native Gardens. We had about 8 members of the class come to the gardens before the actual horticulture garden tour, and they were able to enjoy the fruit of their support.
Family and friends also came to the studio to help out the cause. My in-laws put up the historic fencing from the former Higgabothom Mansion, as well as tree trimming, weed pulling, Iris planting, and overall general encouragement. My parents helped with snacks for the Sip and Stroll and enjoyed getting to know new friends. My dear friends and fellow musicians Doris Messer, Aileen Horan and Martha Rowlett put together some lovely handouts, decorated the Agape Haus beautifully, made the amazing “rack cards” and painted the barn and doors….because one should always start projects that can’t be finished right before a garden tour.
Perissos Winery donated 4 cases of incredible wine for the tour. My husband, who has helped out at the winery for years, was in charge of the wine tasting and the Sip and Stroll. I figured if people were sipping on amazing wine, they wouldn’t notice all the weeds or gardening mishaps that I had throughout the gardens…..my assumption was correct. I think everyone had a lovely time. 🙂
At the end of the tour, I was asked only one question….which variety of heirloom bulb is my favorite. I thought for a few moments….
”Definitely, the Oxblood Lily.”
Honestly, the redemptive quality of this amazing flower bulb is unmatched by any other flower. I’ve seen Oxbloods grow up through the rubble of a tear-down and grow up from the compacted earth. The Oxblood is symbolic in the South of cooler temperatures after a long, hot summer. There are a million more reasons I love Oxbloods, but I simply concluded with the fact that every garden needs an Oxblood Lily….so I dug up a bunch of bulbs and shared. It was a good day.
Gardeners are the kindest and best part of humanity. I am so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the 2024 garden tour. Happy Gardening, my friends!
love, Keenan @heirloombulbgirl
Heirloombulbgirl 