A cool, wet spring meant we were there just before most of the roses reached their spring bloom peak
The iconic terracotta arch beckons from the parking lot.
The mailbox really is tilted just like it shows in the catalog.
Even with just a few roses in bloom it was fun to tour the gardens.
Tin Man and friend
Does Agave hair make these pot-people not quite so creepy?
Flower bubble bath looks fun
The purple picket fence around the children's garden invites exploration
It was a surprise to see so many trees still dormant in late March. I learned Brenham is Zone 8b and a bit colder than Zone 9 Houston only an hour east.
I couldn't help but compare with the San Antonio location so it was fun to see this giant bottle tree.
A smaller version for normal-sized gardens
Since the terrain around Brenham is Blackland Prairie instead of Hill Country there weren't nearly as many spiky plants as at San Antonio's location so this was one of the few Agaves.
Rustic wood arbors were another commonality
Nicely done succulent fountain with pots. I already have two different sizes of these low bowl planters and might just give this a try.
Another terracotta arch near the sales office.
Oh, and they have plants for sale too. Blending merchandise with the gardens is a signature look at The Antique Rose Emporium.
Dress, chair, flowers, smile....
Something we definitely did not have in San Antonio was a small lake like this one.
Early Texas buildings have been moved to the site and restored.
There was a big windmill in the San Antonio gardens as well. Oh I do miss having them close by!
We're not nearly done with our tour, we're headed over to the rose bowers and more beautifully restored old buildings.
I'll cover those when I continue with the tour in my next post.
Fun place! The directional arrows and purple picket fence really caught my eye.
ReplyDeleteI like those arrows with the cute references. It would be fun to do with our own special destinations.
DeleteThose terra cotta arches are quite spectacular, aren't they! I never quite get enough. And I'm with you, that terra cotta stacked fountain of succulents is gorgeous. It would make a great focal point in a bed. I'm keeping an eye out for currently unused pots around here to see what might be pressed into some similar duty as I've already used pots to elevate several planters in beds that were getting lost without some height. A stacked grouping could tie it all together.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tour - can't wait to see more!
I'm also working on elevating plants within existing beds to add interest. Always best to try with something we already have first too.
DeleteWhat a magical place! The terra cotta arches are amazing and the restored buildings would be fun to explore! I remember your coverage of the San Antonio location closing but this one is remaining open, right? It would be even more of a loss if both of them closed! Glad you enjoyed your visit and am looking forward to seeing more!
ReplyDeleteYes, this is their original location and headquarters of the mail-order business so it should remain open.
DeleteInteresting garden art - a little too much for my taste - but everyone is free to do as they think best. I especially like the four off white pots on the porch of the old ranch home - that is simple and elegant. JC
ReplyDeleteYour garden is so beautiful and home to such elegant garden art that I can't imagine this rustic look there.
DeleteThe early TX buildings is a really good touch, that was excelled at in the San Antonio location I visited in 2004. Sounds like a good model for a nursery...I could probably find more native and adapted plants for sale there that will work here, than most every nursery here! The variation in Texas climate zones is more than I ever realized...let alone all 900 miles of it.
ReplyDeleteThe zone 8B was a surprise since the location is so close to Houston. They do have a good selection of plants and it was my favorite for native and adapted plants when they were in San Antonio. Several other nurseries are taking up the challenge now that ARE has closed.
DeleteI remember your last post about the San Antonio site. I'm glad you have the opportunity to visit a nursery that offers similar goods and inspiration, even if it's not conveniently located. I always appreciate demonstration gardens, such as those offered here, and the historical context just makes those better still.
ReplyDeleteP.S. The pot people creep me out a bit too.
The historical buildings are special and it was similar though not quite the same.
DeleteWow, so many great ideas to borrow, even if they had to be scaled down a bit – I can think of a good few things I could create in my garden like they have. Interesting place!
ReplyDeleteIt was a fun visit.
DeleteI want to make some rustic arbors... someday. The purple fence is cute, it would go great with the orange table and chairs. What a fun place to visit. I don't think there is such a garden around here. I used to look at their roses back when I was collecting OGR's.
ReplyDeleteThe OGR's are still customer favorites though they even carry Knock-outs now. I see quite a few interesting demonstration gardens featured on blogs from the Seattle-Tacoma area but I don't know how close you are to those.
DeleteI've heard they had great roses. I had to pull out another rose because of the blackspot. They're just so hard to grow in our humidity. Looks like a fun day. :o)
ReplyDeleteHaving lived in your area for quite a while I can say that Brenham is more humid by far. They focus on "found" roses from around the area that have stood up to humidity for decades.
DeleteFun fun! I was bummed when the SA location closed. Nice to see the original location.
ReplyDeleteI loved ordering from their catalog and have some lovely roses from them....what a fun spot with so much to see.
ReplyDeleteARE is a wonderful destination nursery. I'm still sad that the one in San Antonio closed.
ReplyDelete