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.
Here is a glimpse inside…and yes, I was drooling!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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…
Returning to the lower garden area, there were many other vignettes to inspire the attendees of the Memphis Fling…
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.
Leave a Reply