BUNGALOW COTTAGE GARDENS

Here are three beautiful examples of bungalow cottage gardens found here in the Houston Heights area. Cottage gardens are filled with blooming flowers, arbors with vines, very little lawn and lots of  types of mulch, gravel paths and garden whimsy. It is easily my favorite type of garden for a bungalow.

A wonderful set of old Crape myrtles sets off the entrance to this bungalow garden. I like the addition of a palm to give the garden a tropical note.

Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirsutum) spills over the edge in this cottage garden.

Cottage gardens have no rules and that's the fun part. The exuberant foliage in this second garden plays against the simple antique styling of the gables and  porch. It's a great match! Notice the window planters up top.

Nice touch.

Sometimes a single image is not enough to contain a splendid cottage garden. Here are three views of this third example. 

The front entry way has a nice arbor, a wonderful crushed granite pathway, and a myriad of flower colors in bloom.

The fence is absolutely superb and blends well with a brick bungalow. This fence is charming and inviting and quietly does its job. Aren't those wooden gates beautiful?

 A final view of this terrific garden. That's a fig tree you see on the corner.

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I hope I've given you some new ideas for your cottage garden. Start small with an area by your sidewalk or porch. Then add a little each year. Start with cheerful flowers like Black-eyed Susan.

That's it for this time. Thanks for stopping by.

David/:0)



THE BUNGALOW PORCH GARDEN

This is easily one of my favorite topics. I love bungalows. I love porches, and I love gardens. So imagine combining all three. These Houston bungalows are in the Heights area and were all in the same 15 minute walk. Imagine that! A porch garden can be plants on the porch, in front of the porch, or on the stairs or the sidewalk leading to the porch. Here are some fine examples.

 Don't you just love this garden and bungalow? Notice the porch planters and the wildlife habitat sign in front. This is someone who knows what butterflies like and what animals need. I could sip iced tea on this porch all summer long! Wow!

 All of these sun loving plants are in bloom and I'm sure some are fragrant and their scent adds to the charm. That shady porch is so inviting. Don't you love the windows and the wood trim on this cozy bungalow.

 And speaking of charming, isn't this front porch fantastic? The paint, trim, stained glass windows and hanging baskets make this bungalow picture perfect.

Finally, this fenced garden and porch are one of my favorite. This garden has all elements that make you take a second look. Notice the tropical plants, the balance between small, feathery foliage and the bold agaves. The layers of plants build and take the eye to the porch and home. And the gate and natural fence accent the entire scene. These gardeners need to win a landscape award from Garden Design magazine. And that's no exageration!
 I'll have more porches and gardens in future posts. So many porches....so little time.
Thanks for stopping by. Hope you find a porch and have some iced tea!
David/ :0)