Lucinda Hutson celebrates life for Day of the Dead

October 28, 2024

Lucinda Hutson decorates joyfully for Day of the Dead, displaying her collection of traditional sugar skulls and skeletons throughout her purple house in Austin’s Rosedale neighborhood.

I visited last week with Cultivating Place podcaster Jennifer Jewell, who was in town to give a Garden Spark talk. Lucinda invited us to share in the bittersweet joy of this Mexican holiday that’s about remembering loved ones who’ve passed and celebrating their lives.

In the kitchen, Lucinda poured glasses of tequila and chasers of sangrita, and we sipped our drinks in her colorful living room.

Faded roses express the sentiments of the season.

Love and peace, reads a framed picture.

Colored foil brings the eyes of sugar skulls to life.

Gleaming silver, a milagro, and a string of pearls mingle on a buffet.

One of her Day of the Dead altars features a photo of her cowboy-hatted dad, beloved cat Sancho Rey, and innumerable skeletons from her collection of Mexican folk art.

In Lucinda’s writing cabin, a brass praying mantis poses amid rose-colored glass.

Above the door hangs a portrait of Lucinda’s grandmother wearing the blouse displayed with arms outstretched.

Lucinda in her trademark purple, watched over by her grandmother’s spirit

Photo: Jennifer Jewell

Thank you, Lucinda, for sharing with me once again the Day of the Dead stories and joy of your home and garden!

I welcome your comments. Please scroll to the end of this post to leave one. If you’re reading in an email, click here to visit Digging and find the comment box at the end of each postAnd hey, did someone forward this email to you, and you want to subscribe? Click here to get Digging delivered directly to your inbox!

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Digging Deeper

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. Read all about the Season 8 lineup here!

All material © 2024 by Pam Penick for Digging. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited.

15 responses to “Lucinda Hutson celebrates life for Day of the Dead”

  1. OM heavens! I have tears in my eyes as I see the gorgeous photos and sentiments you have shared!!!! And seeing me with my grandmother and of course El Sancho Rey!!!!!! Bless you beautiful Pam for the joy you bring to us all!!!!!

    • Pam/Digging says:

      I’m so happy to be able to share the joy and color you bring to the world, Lucinda. Thank you for your warm hospitality and the beauty of your home and garden!

    • Lucinda Shirley says:

      Lucinda, we share a first name, and our spirits are kindred, too. My niece and your friend, Audrey has shared you with me. I so love your magical home and garden.You’re invited to visit mine any time you are in South Carolina! Cheers!!!

  2. Elizabeth Barnett says:

    Love, love, love when you feature this remarkable home and garden. Lucinda Hutson is “old Austin” at its finest: creative and highly individual. ☮️

  3. SueAnn Chandler says:

    What beautiful photos and poignant memories of loved ones who’ve passed! Never tire of seeing Lucinda’s colorful home and gardens! Thank you for taking us on the tour!!!

  4. Kat says:

    Her home, her gardens, her cooking and libations, and Lucinda herself ARE the colors & spirit of Mexico! Her generous sharing with all of us over the years is endless and so appreciated! Salud, Lucinda!

  5. Jenny says:

    A feast for the eyes and the spirit. Thankyou for another visit albeit this time from a distance.

  6. Old Lady Gardener says:

    Always fun to see Lucinda’s Day of the Dead decor! That’s a great shot of you and Lucinda framed in her charming doorway that Jennifer took.
    You’re looking great! All that hiking this year?

  7. Jerry says:

    What a nice tribute to those who have gone before. I love the use of color inside and outside.

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