Have you ever visited an artist’s garden?
During the summer of hell in 2011, the OHS tour featured the gardens of local artists. That tour remains one of my favorites. I find artists’ gardens full of inspiration. I love the use of color and playful shapes to create the artist’s vision.
I’ve written about Keeyla Meadows before. Her garden announces her vision before you even step up to her door. Vivid colors, multiple shapes and a mix of flowers and leaves combine to make your visit one of eye-popping delight.
From her books, I knew there would be color. What I didn’t expect was how the color worked with the mixed media Keeyla creates. I found myself wanting to pack her containers in my suitcase. I doubt she wants to part with them, but a girl can wish. Keeyla’s mixed media were evident throughout the garden in walls, pots, pathways and raised beds. At the back of the garden was her studio. I think creative people desire a studio the same way a car restorer wants his/her own garage. A place away from everyone in which to do our work.
Just so you know, I write in my kitchen, the hub of the house. Don’t weep for me Argentina. I like it that way. A cup of tea, or a snack is only a couple of feet away.
I’ll let the pictures talk for Keeyla’s garden from here on. We were there at the height of a summer day so the light isn’t the best. Still, the garden shines and filled to the brim with beauty.
It reminds me of a garden I saw during the Spring Fling in Austin, the day after it, I think. I can’t remember the woman’s name, but she was a friend of Pam Penick’s. Brilliant use of brilliant color in both gardens.
Love, love, love this garden. I am afraid I covet the pots, also! Thanks for sharing this with us.
I love all the art and color and casualness!! Love it.
I absolutely love this garden. You’ve captured some great images of this beautiful, colorful garden. A few of my friends visited there last year and I was amazed with the creativity of this place.
What a lively place! It’s actually quite difficult to create a good garden like that, but she’s certainly done it. I wouldn’t have minded packing a few of those containers too!
I love her colours although I dont know if I could cope with it day on day but the garden inspired me to think outside the box, to use colours and objects as I want and not th care what others think
That’s a good way to consider it I think. Not everyone could pull of what she does with color and form in that very small space. I know I couldn’t.~~Dee
What a fun and colorful garden! You did a wonderful job of capturing this garden’s flamboyance. Thanks for the trip back!
I saw many things I coveted, both outside AND inside! She is so brave in her use of color. I aspire to be braver, although I doubt I could live with as much color as she does!
Hey Dee,
Love those containers especially the one you cavot but it wouldn’t look so impactful without that plant that I can’t identify. Please help, my dear Dee. I could do without the woman. She reminds me of a bad date I had one time.
Patrick, you crack me up. I cannot i.d. that plant. Perhaps someone else can. Still any orange plant would be awesome I think. I just love those stripes. Maybe I’ll paint one that way someday. I used to do ceramics way back when.~~Dee
They say gardens reflect the personality of the gardener, well, Keeyla must be one colorful and interesting gardener!
I think she must be too. I didn’t get to talk to her though. We didn’t have very long, and I was busy snapping photos.~~Dee
Her containers are amazing. Love the bright colors.