A passion for purple in Lucinda Hutson’s garden
Reveling in the flowery, herb-scented beauty of Lucinda Hutson‘s garden is always a delight, but especially this spring, after the devastating February freeze that set back every Texas garden. Lucinda’s garden was hit hard too, but thanks to her own nonstop cleanup and replanting, twice-weekly gardener assistance, and an influx of generosity from friends, two months later her garden looks as colorful and festive as ever.
Last week I was delighted to receive an invitation to a small (and covid-cautious, of course) gathering in her garden.
Annual flowers in her favorite purple and other festive colors brighten a brick patio in the center of her lushly planted front garden…
…where you can relax half-hidden from the street.
Pretty screens define the space as plants grow larger.
Views across the garden reveal more purple and a focal-point arbor along the fence.
Edibles in terracotta pots, along with red poppies, soak up the sun on the other side of the garden.
Ah, those glowing poppies
Lucinda whipped up a beautiful cocktail she calls Purple Passion, consisting of dry gin, fresh lemon juice, and crème de violette liqueur, with a lemon verbena sprig and pansy garnish. Delicious!
Tiny glass vases of posies from her garden made the table beautiful too.
Lucinda brought out several beautifully arranged dishes, including crusty bread for topping with butter, radishes, and salt. Yum!
And these Mexican wedding cookies topped with strawberries and a creamy spread and garnished with pansies. It was like falling into a lovely dream of the Before Times for a few hours.
Thank you, Lucinda! Here’s to the charming hostess and the enchanting world she’s created at her purple casita. Thank you for sharing it with me.
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Digging Deeper
Do you love ponds as well as gardens? Grab your sun hat and attend Austin’s 26th annual Pond and Garden Tour on June 5 and 6. Sponsored by the Austin Pond Society, the tour includes 13 ponds over two days, with admission of $20 in advance (until 5/31) and $25 on the day of (online payments only; no cash).
Come learn about gardening and design at Garden Spark! I organize in-person talks by inspiring designers, landscape architects, authors, and gardeners a few times a year in Austin. These are limited-attendance events that sell out quickly, so join the Garden Spark email list to be notified in advance; simply click this link and ask to be added. Season 8 kicks off in fall 2024. Stay tuned for more info!
All material © 2024 by Pam Penick for Digging. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited.
I love her garden; loved reading about it before I was ever able to visit; loved visiting it with the Flingers. I love reading about its recovery. Thanks pam.
I love it too! She and her garden are Austin treasures.
I’m glad to see the joy spilling out from Lucinda’s purple house and garden so soon after you all were hit by that terrible arctic blast!
Me too, Kris. It was a joy to be in her exuberant garden again, celebrating spring.
Lucinda’s garden is always a visual treat. Thank you for sharing it, BUT it’s terribly sad you couldn’t also share some of that delicious looking food. (I think I’d even settle for some crumbs.) Yummy!
It is terribly sad, but I don’t think we left even crumbs!
One of my favourite gardens ever. And her spirit at resurrecting her garden is inspiring. I am a little surprised you didn’t drink tequila, however… 🙂
Not this time, ha! 🙂
Lucinda is amazing and her garden is filled with such energy and spirit! I just love all the colors and her artistic flare.
She knows how to create enchanting spaces, doesn’t she?
Indomitable Lucinda! I’m going to try a Purple Passion this weekend…
Good idea!
Such a magical garden with so many little surprises to discover in it!
It’s true. There’s always something new to discover.
EYE-spy a different focal point at the arbor along the fence… kitty napping! Sweet!
Her kitty is always there to greet visitors, or just look charming on one of her benches.
What an explosion of Joy your post, and Lucinda’s garden, have brought into my day! Thank you, thank you, thank you.
It’s my pleasure, Jane. Lucinda’s world is too beautiful not to share.
I love Lucinda and her garden, both of whom I haven’t seen in too long. And that snack! It took me back to childhood. My Viennese father’s favorite snack was buttered pumpernickel bread layered with salted radish slices.
Oh nice! Lucinda told us it was a traditional snack in Europe.
LOVED this post and each photo visual of your lovely visit to her garden! Oh, to have a garden friend to visit with such a beautiful setting and gift of hospitality! I should strive to be that kind of gardener
That’s exactly right, I think. We should all strive to create beautiful moments like this for our friends and loved ones. Lucinda inspires me.
Wow! Lucinda’s garden is so full of creative touches! She is obviously a gardener with a passion for beauty and purple! I espcially loved the “turtle” pond! Was she using that as a bee or butterfly watering station? The telavera turtles were a special touch. I also loved the use of broken pottery as a mulch around the tree!!!!
Th;ank you for sharing this extra special garden! What a treat!
My pleasure, Susan! See Lucinda’s answer below about the turtle pond.
Just seeing these pictures of Lucinda’s garden and all the accutroments is like getting a breath of fresh warm air. I can’t wait to be able to do the same.
I hope spring arrives soon, Lisa.
This was truly a sight for sore eyes, I just basked in all the color and charm! Even if I am never able to reach that level of intrigue, it encourages me to keep trying!
I’m glad you enjoyed it, Heidi!
…and I am beyond blessed to have Pam celebrate my garden with all of you….so soon after our devastating arctic blast. But gardens are resilient, so we must be. I am so honored for Pam to share her lovely photos and poetic prose with all of you. Wish you could have joined us! And yes, tequila next time as we already move into summer weather in Austin—95 degrees last week! P.S. The turtle pond is for my tuxedo cat Sancho to have his morning long sip of water! Mil gracias to fiesta with me!
Thank you, Lucinda! I enjoyed every minute of it!
Thank you, Pam, for sharing Lucinda’s beautiful garden! I felt like I got a vacation without leaving home, seeing all this beauty!
I’m happy to hear it, Sharon. 🙂
Does she still have her wine cork garden area? I loved the visit there during the first Spring Fling!
Oh yes, she does!