Southern Garden Home Garden Tour

Last weekend we had almost 1000 people visiting our little corner of the world.

As most of you know, I live in the Garden Home section (Middleton Place) of Twelve Oaks, a gated community in Shreveport, Louisiana.  This past weekend, the garden/yard of one of our neighbors was featured in the
Le Tour des Jardins Garden Tour,
sponsored by 

Northwest Louisiana Master Gardeners

Joyce's small garden was one of six beautiful private gardens throughout our area featured in this popular annual event.

Since you couldn't be here, let me share it with you.

 Joyce inherited the garden design and basic plantings from the original home owner which is planned to maximize every inch of this small space.  She has however, taken his design and added her own personal and feminine touches to make it her own.

 Sasanquas, Japanese maples, colorful annuals, and roses abound in this Twelve Oaks garden surrounded by a unique, antique fence.

   The walkway to the backyard, guarded by a custom-made iron gate, holds its own intrigue and anticipation.

 

Are you ready to step inside a private world in this beautiful garden?

 The rustic wooden door opens onto a surprise waterfall and koi pond surrounded by an outdoor patio with a fireplace and kitchen.

 

 While shooting these pictures, Joyce pointed out her friend who has built a nest in the fence vine and was willing to pose perfectly for me.

 On the opposite end of the yard from the pond is this bamboo fence.

Behind this unique bamboo wall, guarded by a draping Japanese Maple, is hidden the gardening/tool/compost area as well as the air conditioning unit.

 

 

 Now, let me show you the relaxing and inviting patio and outdoor kitchen as seen from the side door.

 

Joyce has incorporated colors from inside her lovely home as well as those in her garden to tie in the large outdoor sitting area and kitchen.

 

Because of the varying weather and mosquitoes in the south, Joyce has the option of leaving the patio open, closing it off with a mosquito curtain or closing the rustic windowed doors.

There is no question why this beautiful and inviting southern garden was included on this prestigious garden tour.

Thank you Joyce, for sharing it with us.