Right now, things are pretty quiet in the garden. Since there is not that much going on I have been out visiting with gardening friends. I truly believe that the best way to become a better gardener is to go and listen to, and see how, other people grow things. Each and every time I talk to another gardener I learn something. Because of that I try and visit with as many gardeners as possible.
An absolutely adorable birdhouse made by July Moreno of Sweet Dreams Home Decor
I recently had the opportunity to visit with July Moreno of San Marcos, Texas. July is a great gardener and she has a knack for landscape design. Her design skills are the reason I wanted to visit. Even though I can grow just about anything, I am greatly lacking in design skills. My daughter and son-in-law had been telling me about how cute July’s yard was for a while so I decided to take the camera and stop by for a visit and hopefully pick up a few tips.
A red gate and purple bird feeder made from an old lamp stand let me know that a very colorful garden was coming.
Kate and Moose’s recommendation was right on target. July’s yard was cute! We entered through a plain old chain link fence gate that she had painted red and flanked with a purple bird feeder made from an old lamp stand. Who does that? These pops of color let me know that I was about to enter a very creative place! Even though her yard is relatively small, it was perfectly set up for entertaining. Her garden was full of fun and whimsical creations made by her. July is one of those people that can take just about anything, slap some paint on it and make it look like a million bucks. July has combined her love of gardening with her love for craft and created a bright and cheery backyard oasis right in the heart of San Marcos.
Add some turquoise paint, a little stain and some Mexican tiles to your patio to create the perfect place for outdoor dining
July has a passion and gift for taking stuff that other people consider trash and “upcycling it” into very attractive yard art and garden furniture (she also does this with items for the home). She makes bird baths, reflecting balls, stepping stones, swings, tables and anything else that moves her. July is very proud of her Mexican heritage and it shows in her creations. In fact, she calls herself the “Happy Chica”. Her designs incorporate the bright turquoises, oranges, blues and greens of Mexico. This love of color makes her creations the perfect punch of color to brighten up the garden.
An adorable birdbath in July’s yard. She made the column and then covered it in tiles that she hand cut and glazed. She then attached a talavera bowl for instant cuteness.
July started making her Mexican inspired “jardin del arte” as a hobby. However, it was so cute that when her friends visited they wanted to take it home. So, encouraged by these friends, she started making colorful creations for everyone. If you would like to buy some of her art for your home or yard, you can contact her through her website Sweet Dreams Home Décor or you can find her on Etsy. She has ready made things for both your home and garden plus she is available for custom creations. If you like what you have seen here, give her a call. She can also help you design and decorate your entire casa!
July does amazing things with spray paint. She even paints her terra cota pots