Garden Photo of the Day

Kathy’s garden in Mississippi

Click on the photo to enlarge. Photo/Illustration: All photos courtesy of Kathy C-L

Today’s photos are from Kathy C-L in Mississippi. She says, “I am native to Miami, Florida. In June of 1998 I purchased 2.2 acres of wooded land near Biloxi, Mississippi. Little by little I cleared more and more land as I could afford to. I started spending my tip monies from working in the salon profession on flowers, trees, and plants so I could enjoy them later on in life.

“I lived in a mobile home for several years until I built my house in 2004. When building the house it had to fit in the garden somewhere and it did just that…. now it looks like it has been here forever with all the growth. I have learned the hard way how to plant, what to plant, and now how close to plant….which is really bad here now in the gardens with some of it being overcrowded.

“In January of 2009 I met my wonderful hubby Brian and in December of 2010 I took up his addiction, owning and riding a Harley Davidson motorcycle. My husband says he created a monster. Riding has changed my outlook on life in general. We are in the local Harley Owners Group also known as H.O.G., which is world wide. Being a member introduces you to many others with the same passion, so when you travel you make new friends from all over the world. Our local chapter enjoys coming over here for BBQs and they are overwhelmed with the gardens, but more so just for the peacefulness I have created, and thats why I love to share with others.

“One time while I was out riding I found an elderly couple in their gardens. I turned around and stayed on the road talking to them from a distance. I didn’t want to scare them because I was riding a bike out in the middle of nowhere. Well after about 10 minutess on the road they let me take a tour!”

What a great garden, Kathy, and I love the bicycle by the mailbox–such a cute touch.

Aaaaaaaannnnnnd……that’s all 50 states! Plus 22+ countries. Awesome! I know this is way more exciting to me than it is to anyone else….. Humor me. 🙂

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Comments

  1. gloriaj 01/30/2014

    Kathy, I am familiar with the area of Biloxi as I am originally from Mobile living in Ohio . What you have done with your property is nothing short of amazing. You showed patient developing your garden a little at a time. The last picture on the right allows us to see how all your hard work is tied together. Thanks for sharing.

  2. greengenes 01/30/2014

    Good morning! Well, Kathy... you are a true gardener to spend your money, little by little on plants. And to find a place in your garden to build a house, I love it! You have done a beautiful job. I heard in Mississippi you can grow a whole lot of things! We have a Harley also and take drives in the summer all over. Its a lot of fun and I so enjoy all the different smells. Iknow it sound weird but especially in the late spring everything seems to be budded out and releasing a beautiful smell. Iam so glad you are able to really enjoy your life and home! Have a great year ahead! There are so many cool plants!

  3. flowerladydi 01/30/2014

    It's Great Kathy!,,,, and shows so much personality,,, and there are so many fun ' garden art ' pieces throughout! The bike is wonderful by the mailbox,,, the tree trunk is so fun,,,,and do love the last panoramic shot with your charming house too!,, everything ties together so well,, Very nice!!! Glad you found not only your great husband, but your love of riding too! -:)

  4. user-1020932 01/30/2014

    nice garden on the gulf coast! where did you find rocks in biloxi!?!?!? lush growth and the stump has spanish moss curls. i would imagine you ride more / garden less during july/august/september!
    and gloriaj, i did not know you were a southern belle

  5. wGardens 01/30/2014

    WOW! What you have done is amazing... and oh, so interesting! (You could have a second career! :-) !!) So many things to look at... you are very creative. Certainly see why your friends like to visit.... not just because of your wonderful gardens but your personality also shines through.
    Your house is a beauty and sits beautifully amongst your gardens. Great job!

  6. user-7006902 01/30/2014

    Amazing! Beautiful gardens and what a beautiful house. How do you find time to ride and tend the gardens?? A wonderful story of patience and perseverance!

  7. User avater
    meander_michaele 01/30/2014

    How awesome, Kathy, to have multiple passions in your life. Of course, Brian, has taken over the #1 slot but it sounds like gardening and "Harleying" are co-existing happily in the #2 position. Your garden has lots of whimsy and charm which always adds to the enjoyment for others who come visiting. I can well imagine what a treat it is for your fellow H.O.G members when they come rolling up your driveway and have such a great place to mix and mingle. If you and any of fellow riders ever come up to TN to ride the Smoky Mountain Dragon stretch of roadway (quite a thrill, I understand), and want to add a garden tour as an additional "activity", ask Michelle for my email and we can set something up. I love to share, also.
    Love your generous sized front porch...I'll bet there are some nice rocking chairs just waiting to be enjoyed.

  8. janetsfolly 01/30/2014

    Wow, Kathy! What a beautiful, charming retreat you've created. I love your story of patiently adding each element, then finding a place for your house, which fits perfectly! I've never been to MS but will now always think of that state as looking like your lovely property. Keep spreading the joy!
    And congrats, Michelle! You do such a great job, not only is this a wonderful gardening site but a mini-travelogue as well!

  9. Yeddi 01/30/2014

    How very beautiful and creative, Kathy! I am examining each photo carefully for you have so many wonderful plants and ideas. I am currently struggling to design planting for a very hot and sunny circular bed with a fountain in the middle. No trouble choosing pretty colors, but the deer eat almost everything so must focus on that aspect, too. Quite a challenge, but that is fun, too, isn't it? There isn't a day goes by when I don't plan, dream or do some work in my garden.
    Congratulations on all your hard work and the fact that you share it all.

  10. jagardener 01/30/2014

    Awesome! Kathy your hard work/ patience/ determination has certainly paid off. I am so glad that it has come together for you and you can now enjoy the beautiful and peaceful garden.
    Michelle, congratulations on all 50 states. Your persistence has paid off too. Lovely! lovely! lovely.

  11. MizScarlet 01/30/2014

    Kathy, Your garden has so much charm and intrigue. I'd love to be able to walk through, taking my time, and see all the little "extras" that await there. You have poured a lot of work into the area, and it shows. Do you have any tips for those of us who are considering adding "dry stack" stones or pavers? Thank you for sharing your beautiful garden.

  12. tractor1 01/30/2014

    Building a marvelous garden and a gorgeous house from scratch (literally) in so short a time is a grand accomplishment, kudos! I like those tall pillers constructed of pavers with planters atop... and I'm sure there are so many details that need lots more pictures. But for now the only omission after all that crowing is a photo of you two astride your hawgs, next time! Thank you, Kathy, for sharing, and completing all fifty.

    And I'm still surprised, shocked really, that there haven't been lots more submissions from Mississipi and dozens and dozens from the Aloha State... it seems the bulk of the submissions are from the northern climes with the shortest more difficult growing seasons... there haven't been many from NM, AZ, and NV, and I know first hand what gorgeous gardens exist in the South West. Carson City, NV and surrounding area boasts some gorgeous gardens... there's a view of Carson City.

  13. sheila_schultz 01/30/2014

    Step by step, inch by inch your patience and vision of beautiful gardens to surround a warm and loving home have become your reality. Who said dreams don't come true? Just ask Michelle... WooHoo! You did it! Congrats ;)

  14. GrannyMay 01/30/2014

    Congratulations Kathy! In just 15 years you have built a lovely home and a garden to be proud of! Love the personal touches everywhere - did you create Mr./Ms. "Stumped" yourself?

    Michelle, you've reached your goal of all 50 states! How great is that! It happened because you've made GPOD the perfect venue for all gardeners to share their gardens, their passions and their problems. Next goal, the world?

  15. gardengal42 01/30/2014

    can you go back to enlarging the photos??? Do not like the click on the picture as it is not large enough to see the gardens...PLEASE enlarge the photos...

  16. ancientgardener 01/30/2014

    Wow Kathy -- You are an amazing woman to have created that lovely garden and home while holding down a job. Brian was blessed when he found you. My husband and I, many years ago, covered many miles on the east coast over a long period on our big Indian (doubt they still make that brand) motorcycle. It's very addictive. I'd like to hear more about your plantings and see more pictures. All that stonework adds so much. Great job.

  17. zeldajune 01/30/2014

    I'm excited too about there being posts from all 50 states and 22+ countries. What fun and what beautiful gardens you have shown us. I'm inspired and motivated more every day. This garden is creative and looks like you've done a lot of work over time to make it so pretty and well thought out. My husband would love to have a harley but I'm not so sure!

  18. MichelleGervais 01/30/2014

    I knew I'd get called out on not enlarging the photos. Sorry about that, gardengal42! I was in a rush yesterday, and thought I could get away with eliminating that step to save a little time. I'll make sure to do it today.

  19. GrannyCC 01/30/2014

    Kathy
    Loved the garden with all the whimsical touches. You have accomplished much in a short period of time. Beautiful house and setting.

  20. user-1020932 01/30/2014

    ancientgardener you are just TOO cool! i didn't know you were a "biker chick" :) :) there are so many interesting people on this blog

  21. AnneinQC 01/30/2014

    Love your garden Kathy, it looks so lush! This may seem like a silly question from an ignorant Canadian, but are you far enough south to get Spanish moss on your trees? Just the look of your garden is so romantic, just the way I would imagine and old southern garden to look!

  22. AnneinQC 01/30/2014

    Sorry, forgot to add:

    Congratulations Michelle on getting all 50 states!

  23. quinquek 01/30/2014

    Great job! I'm becoming convinced that the best gardens evolve over time, and that adding a bit each year as we have time and money, may make the most sense. (Would spend my last $5.00 on a plant.)Even so, that's a lot of work put in, and with great results, for just 15 years!

  24. annek 01/30/2014

    What a special garden! I love all the stonework and the view from the front is fabulous. I also admire your hard work and efforts. Gardeners are very special people!

    And Michelle, congrats! You also have accomplished so much in a short period of time. I'll be toasting the GPOD family tonight with a special bottle of wine. If any one is in the Bitterroot valley (Nina?) stop by for a 5- state toast.

  25. annek 01/30/2014

    That was supposed to be a 50-state toast...no haven't started toasting yet :-)

  26. User avater
    meander_michaele 01/30/2014

    Good quick catch, Annek...you just escaped being on the receiving end of some good-natured teasing.

  27. hummergirl 01/31/2014

    Guess I am the last to ring in and comment today, but just had to after seeing these pictures. Kathy, everything about your garden and house is amazing, especially impressive that you did it on your own. But congratulations on finding Brian, I am sure that sharing it all, makes it all better! Your gardens look so peaceful, it's no wonder your friends love to just hang out. I am amazed that there are so many on this blog, who love gardening and Harleys! Who would've guessed?! I, too, am a Harley rider (on the back) and would spend my last $5.00 on a plant-love our addictions!
    Congrat's to you, Michelle, on the 50th state! What's next?

  28. TheFlowerGardenLady 02/01/2014

    Wow I can't believe all the wonderful comments from all of you. I'm sorry I haven't replied sooner. Please be patient with me with answering questions. I was trying to get out of Biloxi after our freezing temps and snow since tues to head to Brooklyn NY to see a new grandson born 12/28/2013 8.8 lbs Baby Dominick my 1st. I'm exhausted from traveling still and a short trip into Manhattan today to baby shop. Oh what fun!
    So many questions to reply to I'm overwhelmed at the same time excited to see so many with the same passions. Yes I have been blessed in so many ways and struggle at the same time but gardening has help me heal and I'm sure so many of you can relate to that.
    Yes I submit a picture but never thought I would be chosen this is one of the magazines I would carry to work in the salon profession and just dream of what I could do.
    After I return from my trip I will reply again and answer more questions. Until then you can see more pics on my page.
    The Flower Garden Lady always strolling or rolling . It was all about gardening until I jumped on a Harley. Now I see the world in a whole new way. Again thank you from the bottom of my Heart, Kathy & Brian

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