On Monday, my wife went to Bayou Bend to attend the memorial service for Michael Brown.  Michael was the curator there for many years and she was very fond of him.  Michael was a great researcher and curator.  In fact, he literally wrote the book on Duncan Phyfe furniture.  He was the epitome of a gentleman and scholar.  He left this world too soon and his passing leaves a big hole in the world of American Decorative Arts. 

Michael’s memorial service was held at Bayou Bend.

After I got off work I rode around while waiting for the service to let out.  I love riding around in River Oaks.  According to Forbes magazine, River Oaks is home to several of the richest people in America.  Because of this, I got to enjoy some of the most impressive homes and landscapes in the entire United States. 

This is the proper way to decorate the enterance to a home

In my wanderings I happened upon what I think is my favorite fall landscape ever.  If I had the money, this is how I would decorate the outside of my house every fall.  As you look at these beds notice that, besides the shrubs, nothing is permanent. Each season, the owner replaces every thing between the boxwoods with seasonal plants.

Not only do I admire these decorations I admire the owners for creating these botanically beatuiful scenes for the public

 I don’t know the landscape company that installs these decorations or the man that pays to have it done.  However, I admire them both.  Much like Michael Brown, they are enhancing peoples lives by sharing beautiful things with them. 

I am not particularly fond of crotons. However, I have to admit that they were the perfect filler between the mums, marigolds, squash and pumpkins.