My home and garden are on the Bellaire Home Tour this year on April 2 and 3 from 1-5 pm. I've hesitated to post this, but Houston-area members might be interested. A number of root-hardy plants were knocked to the ground by the hard freezes so . . . . . I've been struggling to keep pansies, delphinium, larkspur in bloom. The bearded iris are finished, but LA iris are opening up as are my Old Garden roses. Alas, I lost all three passion vines (only one replaced so far and it's teensy). The tour benefits the Nature Discovery Center so there is a cost. I think a ticket for all 6 houses costs $20. I'm not sure if you can get a single house/garden ticket, but in the past they were $5.
Bellaire Home Tour - April 2 & 3
I would be interested if I was in that area. Good luck and have fun. You might put a link about where tickets can be purchase.
You can buy the tickets at the door or, in advance for $15 for all 6 houses, at:
Whole Foods at 4004 Bellaire Blvd
Nature Discovery Center at 7112 Newcastle
Belden's Grocery at 99 Braeswood Court (North Braeswood)
Both Bering's Hardware stores (6102 Westheimer & 3900 Bissonnet)
Elaine's Florist at 4796 Beechnut (across from Meyerland)
Magpies at 5000 Bellaire
Fioza at 9002 Chimney Rock
I have also learned you can buy a single ticket for $5. We had about one hundred people today and all are said to have really enjoyed the garden. Of course, I see all the plants that are just now returning from their roots, but many of the roses are in bloom.
LeslieT
Leslie....gardeners see the emerging plants and know what they will become. Those that come to see the landscaped yard see the bones and efforts made. I am sure you tour was a success to everyone!
About 230 people toured during both days. Although tour organizers specified that the homeowner had to be gone during the tour, I was called back Sunday afternoon to answer questions about the garden because people were very interested. I'm sorry now I didn't flout the rules and remain in the garden both days. And, I feel sort of guilty that I wasn't present to talk to the visitors Saturday afternoon or earlier on Sunday. People were very, very nice. I guess I'm glad I did it, but never again.
My DH's favorite aunt lived in Southside which is adjacent to Bellaire. I loved coming to her home.
I had a tiny azalea in a pot and when we visited her the azalea's were over the rooftop. I came home and let mine die as I knew what it was supposed to be. Never in Dallas. She lived on Elmora and when her wonderful home was sold, they bulldozed it. I couldn't believe it. It was built in 1961 with every bell and whistle available. Built a McMansion in it's place. Whaaaaawhine.
What a pity that your aunt's home was destroyed. One of the reasons I agreed (although I will NEVER do it again) was that our home was built in 1948 by a civil engineer. We've updated it, but it's still the same footprint. NO McMansion here. I've "rescued" a few plants from bulldozers in my day. It's really sad because most of the older homes had considerably more charm than what replaced them!
Leslie