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Saturday, February 17, 2018

Wildseed Farms: A Floral Haven in the Heart of Texas



This place was one of those “Hey, that looked interesting. Let’s go back. “stops. We were on a girl’s trip, the only kind where you can do that kind of thing, headed to Fredericksburg. We had such a good time there! It wound up being one of the highlights of our weekend.



Wildseed Farms is the nation's largest working wildflower farm with over 200 acres of colorful blooms in season. These fields have been used for seed production for over 35 years.





Bright red Corn Poppies and three colors of Texas bluebonnets greet you in the parking area.



Gloriosa Daisy, cosmos, Corn Poppies, larkspur, phlox, sunflowers, and Texas Bluebonnets are some of the flower varieties you will see growing in the fields during your visit.






A half mile trail lined with a wood look fence leads through the display and trial gardens. Sitting areas and water features are placed along the route.



The Brewbonnet Biergarten offers a place to grab something to eat and drink. Unique jams, jellies, salsas, and other goodies are available for purchasing. They all looked amazing!



They are one of the largest plant nurseries in Central Texas with large selections of annuals, perennials, herbs, tropicals, cactus and succulents.





The gift store is packed with, unique pottery, garden accessories, clothing, seeds and much more.





Parking and admission are free. Hours are from 9:30am - 5:00pm daily.



We visited in April. Check here to see what will be in bloom for your visit.




Location:

 Fredericksburg is located 78 miles west of Austin and 70 miles north of San Antonio.

Address:

100 Legacy Drive, Fredericksburg, TX 78624







    Happy Travels! 


Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Exploring the Rich Artistic Heritage of Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village, Arizona


Nestled in the heart of Sedona, Arizona lies the Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village, a unique destination that celebrates the rich artistic heritage of Mexico. Founded in the 1970s by a group of artists and architects, this beautiful complex is a hub for artists and craftspeople, and a mecca for art lovers.





The name Tlaquepaque comes from a town in the Mexican state of Jalisco, which is known for its vibrant arts and crafts scene. The Sedona village is modeled after this town and features stunning Spanish colonial architecture, cobbled streets, and lush courtyards. The village covers six acres and houses more than 40 art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants.



Wander through the charming streets and discover an array of handmade crafts, from pottery and blown glass to jewelry and textiles. The village also showcases a wide range of fine art, including paintings, sculptures, and mixed media pieces. Every corner of the complex is a feast for the senses, with colorful mosaics, intricate wood carvings, and beautiful fountains.




One of the highlights of Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village is its commitment to preserving traditional craftsmanship. Many of the artists who work here use techniques that have been passed down through generations, such as hand-painting ceramics or weaving intricate textiles. Visitors can watch these artisans at work in their studios, and even take classes to learn the skills themselves.






In addition to its art and craft offerings, Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village is also a foodie's paradise. The village is home to several restaurants and cafes, each with its own unique flair. You can savor authentic Mexican cuisine, sip margaritas in a charming courtyard, or indulge in gourmet chocolates and pastries.










Overall, a visit to Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village is an experience that will delight and inspire. Whether you're an art lover, a history buff, or just looking for a fun day out, this charming complex has something for everyone. 



Address:

336 AZ-179

 Sedona, AZ 86336


Enjoy Your Visit!

       Sherri


Sunday, January 21, 2018

Parrot Key Resort: A Tranquil Oasis in the Heart of Key West, Florida

Nestled in the heart of Key West, Florida, Parrot Key Resort offers a unique tropical getaway that will transport you to a world of relaxation and tranquility. This stunning resort is surrounded by lush, vibrant gardens that feature over 400 palm trees and a variety of exotic plants, making it the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.



At Parrot Key Resort, you can experience the best of both worlds - the beauty and serenity of a tropical paradise, combined with the convenience of being just minutes away from all the action and excitement that Key West has to offer. With easy access to the island's top attractions, you'll never be far from the fun.





One of the standout features of Parrot Key Resort is its Balinese-inspired architecture and decor. From the moment you step inside, you'll feel like you've been transported to the lush jungles of Southeast Asia. The resort's beautiful guest rooms and suites are decorated with rich, warm tones and feature luxurious amenities.





When it comes to dining, Parrot Key Resort has you covered. The resort's award-winning restaurant, Cafe Blue, serves up delicious dishes made with fresh, local ingredients. Whether you're in the mood for a hearty breakfast, a light lunch, or a romantic dinner for two, Cafe Blue has something for everyone.





Of course, no tropical vacation would be complete without a day spent lounging by the pool. Parrot Key Resort features four sparkling swimming pools, each with its own unique atmosphere. Whether you prefer to relax in the shade or soak up the sun, you'll find the perfect spot to unwind and recharge.





If you're looking for a truly memorable vacation experience, then look no further than Parrot Key Resort in Key West, Florida. From its beautiful gardens and Balinese-inspired decor, to its luxurious amenities and convenient location, this resort truly has it all. 

Address:


 2801 N Roosevelt Blvd

 Key West, FL 33040


Enjoy Your Visit!

       Sherri



Thursday, January 11, 2018

My New Orchid Haul: A Peek into My Latest Collection


I just wanted to do a quick post and let everyone know about the beautiful orchids I found today.



Walmart was putting them out as I walked into the garden center. They have a variety of colors, but each store only has about 12 plants. The best part is that they are only $ 9.99!



I am absolutely in love with these beauties!



If you would like to see more of my "jungle" sun room or get updates on my cold hardy tropical garden, leave a comment and I will do more post. 😊




Happy Gardening!

Tuesday, January 9, 2018

Discovering Tropical Plants and Saltwater Fish in Little Rock, Arkansas


A trip to a couple of indoor garden centers and a salt water fish store was the perfect cure for the wintertime blues.



January is usually the month that I start craving a warm tropical island. It has been very cold in Arkansas the last few weeks and my body is not liking it! We generally have mild winters with just a few days that are below freezing at night. Well, not this year! It has been down to 14 degrees at night and not getting above 32 during the day.



My mother, daughter, and I decided that a little adventure to some nurseries in a nearby (1 ½ hours away) city would be a perfect “Pick me up”. There is basically nothing to do indoors within 4 hours of my home, so being creative is a must. Never having been to any nurseries in Little Rock before, I did a little research online to see which ones might have something to look at indoors.




Hocott's Garden Center has a beautiful indoor garden with all kinds of tropical plants and trees. 
They also have home and garden decor. I love that you just walk through the jungle and find the plants you want. The air plants were hanging in a tree just like in nature!

Address:

3612 Kavanaugh Blvd.

Little Rock, AR



Botanica Gardens has a beautiful store with nature inspired decor for the home and garden. They have a nice selection of air plants.

Address:

1601 Rebsamen Park Road


Little Rock, Arkansas 72202






Good Earth Garden Center has a cute fairy garden, a very large gift shop, hot houses, and you can grab a quick photo with Bigfoot!

Address:

15601 Cantrell Road

 Little Rock, AR 72223






The Fish Tank is an Aquarium supply store with beautiful saltwater fish and live coral. The staff is super friendly and informative. I am still trying to talk the hubby into letting me get a salt water tank!

Address:

400 N. Bowman Rd, Suite 13

Little Rock, AR 72211






I acquired these beautiful air plants on our trip. I have been fascinated with tillandsias for a while, but am just now starting to collect some air plants. I just wish they were not so expensive! If anybody has some extras they would like to send my way, feel free!😄

The first plant is from Hocott's Garden Center and the second two are from Botanica Gardens.


Hope you enjoined hearing about our little trip! If you have suggestions on any other nurseries or garden centers that I need to visit, let me know. I love anything tropical and can not wait for warmer weather to get out in my garden.

Below is short video from the trip