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Memphis Fling -Magical Memories of A Special Garden

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Memphis Fling …magical memories in the most unexpected places!

The Memphis Fling was an event that was on my mind all Spring. The Fling is a much-anticipated event for garden bloggers, writers, and social media garden enthusiasts with active social media accounts. The Fling was in Memphis, Tennessee…and what a treat it was.

Many of the participants who attended the Fling have posted pictures of the many gardens we visited. I wanted to share a very special, magical garden at the home of the Thompsons.

Escorted to this magical garden by a team of drivers, the narrow driveway piqued the curiosity of all the attendees. This only added to the intrigue of what we were about to encounter. A wooded area with carefully curated plantings surrounded all who entered.

As a garden enthusiast, I appreciate all gardens. From the moment I entered this property, inspiration was everywhere.

This was the most amazing She Shed or Potting house!

Here is a glimpse inside…and yes, I was drooling!

This SheShed had books, plants, a place to pause, and more. Look at that tasteful book title beckoning me to pause… I pressed on in anticipation of the unexpected.
What is a potting shed without some plants gracing the windows and whimsical art, capturing the humor of the owner?
This truly melted my heart. Books, plants, soil, a wash basin – all without tracking soil into the main house? Yes, a droolworthy experience!

The first stop was quite the treat. Deciding which way to go to see the main garden was easy. Observing the tree canopy, which created a much-needed break from the strong Memphis heat, we wandered up the driveway. Gardens can be magical in many different ways. Many times, it is the lighting, the plant choices, or the art found within that evokes a certain sentiment. The magic found in this garden combined all of these elements and more.

As the Fling attendees scattered towards the main garden, some of us took the shady route past a beautiful lake.
The lake on the Thompson property was worthy of strolling by…in the shade.

Arriving at the top, we noticed an electic piece of art…I knew it was going to be an amazing adventure.

A warm welcome from the homeowner, Elvis, and two very protective, gorgeous dogs made it clear that we were going to witness a Memphis magical moment. This amazing hostess wore the most intriguing necklace. I could tell that she enjoyed sharing her garden with all of the attendees, as her eyes sparkled like diamonds with glee.

Mrs. Thompson, Elvis, and a smattering of the 60+ Fling attendees.

First, I encountered a garden kissed by the dappled light of mature trees above. From the eclectic collection of birdhouses to the espaliered trees on the sensual clay walls, this was a garden room I wanted to call my own.

Birdhouses and wonderful garden art added a whimsical feel to this calming space.
Two of our hosts, Sharron Holloway Johnson and Kim Halyak in the shade room.
I fell in love with the hydrangea skirting the carefully espaliered trees. The art only added to this garden room.

One could imagine sitting in this protected space in any season. In the winter, it would serve as the perfect sunny spot for writing. In the summer, this space offered a cool respite from the heat for all who chose to pause.

A welcoming entryway provided a perfect place for pausing.

Here are a few scenes along the way to the main garden…

This garden offered a little bit of this and a little bit of that, no matter where the attendees decided to explore. I held back from the crowds to absorb the feeling of peace in this magical space. I noticed what some called the focal point of this garden. A hillside garden filled with rare plants, common plants, and a little garden art.

In a garden like this, looking up matters. I noticed these Staghorn Ferns on the side of a tree.

Pieces of art were carefully placed throughout the garden. Art often creates places to pause, smile, and wonder what inspired the gardener to position it wherever it is.

Above the hillside planting, an area for pausing presented itself to all who explored…

In this shaded upper garden room, the plantings and the art were simple and calming.

Returning to the lower garden area, there were many other vignettes to inspire the attendees of the Memphis Fling…

This was one of my favorite views. It combined plants, architecture, and art.
The art was simple, yet placed in a spot that would allow it to be the centerpiece of that particular garden room.
Using plants that require minimal care, yet are living pieces of art.
Pots can inspire without plants as well. I think I will use this concept on my terrace.
A carefully positioned seating area in a shady nook, close to the house. A carefully curated garden should always include places to pause. The perfect place to protect the moonpies from the hot sun.
With a home like this, even the dogs had beauty right outside their doggy door. The Hollyhock was a family heirloom passed down through many generations.
A departing view, as I looked back to embrace the beauty that surrounded me on a sultry Memphis day.
From the rain chain to the plantings below, this garden was quite magical and will remain etched in my mind as I remember the MemphisFling
Truth be told, the garden was magical, whimsical and brought joy to all who entered. The homeowner was the highlight of my day.

Memphis is such a magical place. The people, the gardens, and the southern hospitality made the 2025 Garden Fling quite the event of the summer. Thank you to Mr. and Mrs Thompson for opening your heart and your garden to the attendees of the Memphis Fling.