November 24, 2024
Always Learning from You, with Many Thanks!
On the road and in the studio, we gather creative and thoughtful ideas to bring back for you. Many gardeners we met this year have responded to drought’s alarm for our water resources. At the same time, they want beautiful plants that please wildlife, too.
Everyone has a lovely, passionate story to tell about the journey that led them to land and wildlife stewardship, often as first-time gardeners.
In October, we returned to Lucinda Hutson’s festive purple cottage, one we’ve visited a few times, including a Day of the Dead celebration 17 years ago. Strolling neighbors are as thankful as all the pollinators and lizards that stop by every day.
We headed back this year for an updated version and to absorb all the sensations as layers of herbs, fragrant flowers, and vibrant color that spills across Lucinda’s small front yard.
For Dia de Los Muertos this year—her 40th to celebrate—she included a romantic, purple-themed ofrenda to honor her grandmother, mother, and sisters, arranged around her grandmother’s glassware. She gently placed each one’s jewelry and even favorite cocktails. In this week of giving thanks, and always, she gives thanks for the family, friends, and dear pets that continue to frame her own story.
Watch her story!
We topped things with these two young gardeners who toured us through the family’s fruit trees, natural-looking pond, and fairy gardens in their “woods” of understory trees and native shade-loving perennials. By the way, their book, Shanleya’s Quest, looks like a great one for the young botanists on your gift list.
All of us at Central Texas Gardener are grateful for you and wish you a very happy Thanksgiving!