Fall Festival 2013 at Antique Rose Emporium: Beatrix Potter garden, bottle trees & cottage charm
After my talk at the Antique Rose Emporium near Brenham, Texas, last Saturday, I explored their display gardens again, enjoying the golden afternoon light and mild weather. The cottagey Beatrix Potter garden, enclosed by a purple picket fence, contains this charming seating area and whimsical features like the “gardener” made of terracotta pots visible at back-right.
Purple trellising laid flat on the ground frames a scattering of lavender-and-yellow violas — a fun way to add temporary color to an empty spot in the garden.
Meandering the shady paths, the sharp-eyed visitor will spot Peter Rabbit hiding among the ferns.
Nearby, a multicolored bottle tree glows like a stained-glass window in the afternoon light…
…and a humorous sign offers a few freebies. None for me, thanks!
I’ve visited the Emporium’s display gardens many times over the years, but there’s always something new to see, like this leggy, red hibiscus tucked next to the old, faded mailbox-sign.
What rich color
A softer light brightened the blushing faces of ‘Country Girl’ mums, seen here leaning on another bottle tree for support.
A wider view shows mostly gold and green bottles here.
Roses were basking in the soft sunlight too, offering sweet fragrance to passersby. I think I smelled every one my nose could reach.
Tightly furled pink rosebuds…
…velvety red roses…
…icy pink roses — all beckoned for a sniff test, and each one passed with flying colors.
Of course, plenty of flowers besides roses and mums were blooming. A stand of hot-orange cosmos set off this adorable purple greenhouse to perfection.
Even this wheel herb garden contained a smattering of flowering annuals.
But autumn is rose season at the Emporium, and they were beautiful.
Stay tuned for my final post about the Antique Rose Emporium’s display gardens: Fall Festival 2013 at Antique Rose Emporium: Arbors, labyrinth & garden shops. Click here for yesterday’s post about ARE’s ‘Country Girl’ mums, grasses, and chapel garden.
All material © 2006-2013 by Pam Penick for Digging. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited.
Pam – I wish I could have been there for your talk. I’ve actually never been to the ARE, but many of my roses are from there, including Belinda’s Dream which I first saw at a Bluebonnet Festival in Texas a few years ago.
It would have been a treat to see you there, Pat, but maybe next Fling? ‘Belinda’s Dream’ is one of my favorite roses too. I grew it in my former garden, and it always got the most attention from passersby. —Pam
I love the idea of a stained glass window in the garden. Beatrix brings fun to any garden.
Yes, you can’t go wrong with Beatrix for charm and fun. —Pam
Those Country Girl Mums are beautiful. I’m loving the purple trellis on the ground with violas – SO creative! Peter Rabbit hiding in the ferns is pretty cute. It has been several years since I’ve been to the ARE. Thank you for the tour!
My pleasure, Steph! —Pam
Yes, I’m thinking I may need some Country Girl Mums soon!
Oh yeah! Not that I have room, but I was searching for some to buy that day. No luck. I’m sure everyone else had the same idea when they saw them in bloom. —Pam
such a great tour as usual! thanks Pam:)
I planted country girl mums at work…super floppers ( at least for me). I like the bottle tree propper-upper idea a lot! thx!
‘Country Girl’ does look pretty floppy. How much water do they need to look good, Heather? Would they work next to something stiff for support, like a yucca or sotol? —Pam