What an interesting garden you have Debra. I very much enjoyed seeing all the changes it went thru. Very beautiful. I like that red mulch. I am using that here and it has really helped keep the moisture in the ground and pots. It is a nice pop of color.

Your gardens are every bit as special as you are dear Debra. Every single thing is just so lovely & the wonderful design shapes of the beds flow so beautifully one to the next. You have a peaceful garden which reflects your soul. I imagine people driving by almost wreck their cars gaping at the beauty you have created. I can't wait to see the bench you are building. In these photos I get the whole picture & see that the bench will be perfect on the easement for people to stop & sit & enjoy the peaceful relaxation of your beautiful gardens.
Well done dear girl, well done!

It was like watching one of the yard make over programs on HGTV, just not done in 2 or 3 days. What an amazing transformation.

I enjoyed every single photo and the story line that went with them.

I love the way you have designed shaped beds and have memorials to your special ones. No doubt you are well loved to have eager friends to help you dig. Inspirational and wonderful variety of plants...and I should know since I am familiar with your zone!(and the challenges of North Texas) Your kind spirit shines through in your tour and garden design! Bravo!

I loved reading the story of developing your special gardens. I could tell you put a lot of love into each bed. I agree with Anna, you must be very dear to have so many willing helpers. It's a beautiful spot.

What a beautiful transformation.Thanks for keeping visual records.

Yours is a "WOW" garden. Truly a lovely garden

Very nice transformation, indeed! I love the names you gave to some of your beds... paisley, boomerang, etc. Sounds like you have a great support system around you. Love the way the front of your house looks with all the various beds. And I think that fence where your roses are is lovely

Thank you so much for all the kind comments. I am a fortunate woman to have had generous help. The kids from the office were mostly on a barter system. They'd be short of funds for textbooks or car repair...or tickets . I'd cover and they would work it off at the house over time. But, the two young men in the photo would and do help me out of courtesy and affection. If I had sons, I would want mine to be just like them.

It all looks very beautiful, great transformation.

What an amazing trasformation! Now I understand your name, lovemyhouse. What a special place and wonderful story. Thanks for sharing.

wow! Nicely done and so beautiful.

Debra, that is an amazing transformation, you have done a great job!!! I loved the tour, thanks for sharing!

Debra, what a wonderful tour - you have a beautiful home and garden I love your house too

Debra, every neighborhood needs someone like you to move in and make those kinds of beautiful changes. i'll bet others are adding more flowers after seeing how beautiful your beds are.
You done good, girl!

Beautiful stories, memories and gardens! All your hard work has certainly paid off. And your house is wonderful too. Bless your co-workers and boss for all their help.

It's just amazing what you and your team of wonderful helpers have done to a quite ordinary yard! Changing the house color made a huge difference, sort of saying "I'm awake" without being pushy or overpowering. You've kept good records, unlike some of us (me). I like the stone, brick and fences that compliment your plant selections. Can you tell us what effect all this has had on your neighborhood? Enthusiastic gardeners usually inspire others into action.

Hard to tell if what I do has affected my immediate neighbors. If facing outward from the house, the house next to me on the right and the one directly across the street are rent houses. A couple of families in both places made some efforts, but didn't stay long in either house. Across and to the left has been owned for about three years by a young man who, at the time he moved in, had just graduated from the University of Texas. He and his roommates, girlfriends, and family gradually planted some shrubs and roses. Nothing spectacular, but pretty. Across and to the right lives a retired 75+ year old woman who isn't fond of gardening. The neighbor next to me on the left...well, no. But everyone keeps their yards neat and tidy. And people stop when I'm working outside to comment on the beds or ask questions about individual plants, so I'm hoping...Once, a man and his two young children who live BLOCKS away from me on a different street, dropped off a chocolate mint just because they liked the yard so much. A mint which I promptly managed to kill (how in the world anyone can kill a MINT is something most puzzling LOL). Still, it was a very nice gesture. Lots of fun, and quite satisfying to see others enjoying everything as much as I do.