Ladew Garden Festival

Once again this year, Ladew Gardens hit it out of the park with their annual Garden Festival! But just because the Festival is over, it doesn’t mean that there’s nothing to do at Ladew.

Every time I visit Ladew, I make it a point to check out the amazing diamond-shaped espaliered apple trees, which face south into the sun. The trees were in bloom and just looked stunning.

As we arrived at the Festival, there were tents everywhere with a huge range of garden ornaments, unusual plants and antiques.

I was particularly taken by this long patch of tulips, and especially the double-petal white variety.

But plants were blooming all across the property and I realized, after looking at pictures from prior years, that we’re a few weeks later with some of the plants. Other years, the azaleas and double viburnum have been out, but their flowers were nowhere to be seen! Here’s one of the famed topiaries – a rider on his steed, chasing the foxes, just out of the picture.

Honestly, nothing makes me happier than a gorgeous pink flowering tree. If you look back a couple of weeks when I wrote about the Al Capone cherry trees, you can see the difference in blooming times between the reflective heat of the city, and this windy estate in the country.

Here are some of the other things that caught my eye.

This crazy plant with grey-green leaves, bright orange spikes and purple flowers. It’s called Solanum.

Who doesn’t love an artistic pug!

Our booth at Halcyon House Antiques was fabulous!

Here’s another view or two.I lost my marbles. Here they are.

It’s a little hard to discern, but this is a 12-foot long planter with mirrored insets. It’s French. Natch.

I always love there incredible Purple Martin houses and their copper roofs.

Here’s another bird-house.

I saw brushes like this in London and didn’t buy one, so when I saw them, I bought one. It’s very handy.

I  loved this collection of paintings, urns and vases and salvaged tools.

Who doesn’t love a Foo Dog or two.

Ladew Topiary Gardens has a full schedule of events throughout the summer and fall, including a series of Sunday evening concerts that are lots of fun. Click here for more information.