Minneapolis "Men's" Garden Tour July 18, 2009

It's always fun to do a garden tour! Being an obsessed gardener myself, I wait anxiously for this annual event to occur. Mike and I did this tour two years ago and we were awed by the amazing, acre+ gardens we saw. This year, small city lot gardens were featured. No two gardens were alike. But ALL of them have one thing in common: passersby gawk, stop, photograph, and even sometimes photograph themselves in these gardens. This is the case with Gaynell Schandel, whose corner lot gets lots of honks and "thumbs up" by passing motorists. Her neighbor has witnessed strangers photographing each other in her garden! She has over a hundred different day lily varieties, which she graciously let me photograph.

Next is the garden of Jim Handtmann (who has his own website www.jimhandtmann.com). His entire yard, from the curb to the back alley gate, is a magical mystery tour with a definite Asian feel. He has constructed all of the garden features from salvaged materials which he often finds at construction sites. He says he has never spent more than $15 on any item. There are many different sitting areas and lots of (salvaged) lights and candles and lanterns. I WISH I could see this at night!!

Here are some photos from the two very different, beautiful gardens.

The walkway to Gaynell's house.

Gaynell said this is her favorite day lily.

These simply glowed

 Her garden has inspired me to go get some day lilies that aren't just plain yellow and orange!

This is the first arbor you pass under on the way up the steps to Jim Handtmannn's front entrance.

The view from the sidewalk (after you pass under the arbor)

His front yard. He has laid all the brick walkways himself. There are about 6 different seating areas around his house. They all are very different and make you want to be a guest- hey, I'll bring the mai tais!

One of two water features which meander throughout the backyard. Cool tool shed, huh?

another unique, covered intimate sitting area. There are tons of lanterns and mini white lights wrapped around the structure. They should have a night tour, too!

This is a small island oasis in the middle of the backyard.

Even the entrance to his alley is very cool

These boulevard plantings next to the street are a recent addition. The two neighboring homes have also extended their planting to the boulevard.

Wow - very inspiring!

Megan 07.15.09

I always LOVE it when senior girls bring a formal or prom dress as one of their outfits. Megan has been a dancer all her life and brought this pretty sparkly spangly (yes - that IS a word!) purple costume. Here are some of the cool shots I took that Jack and I had alot of fun with in Photoshop, afterwards.