"Southern Charm in Full Bloom" ~ A Garden Tour

"Southern Charm in Full Bloom..."

That was the tag line of this past year's 

 2015 North Carolina Azalea Festival,  in Wilmington, NC.

The 68th annual festival was established in 1948.

My love for flowers is rich, and deeply rooted in my

tree of genealogy, on both sides!

My mom and I look forward to the Garden Tour part of the
Azalea Festival each year,
hosted by the Cape Fear Garden Club.

This year did not disappoint, 

it was truly "southern charm in full bloom!"

The tour consists of 13 gardens throughout the city

and neighboring Wrightsville Beach.

  

I love seeing the creativity of the gardeners,

such as repurposing an old livestock watering tub

into an unique planter!

Various foliage planted in trees...

...and flowering annuals in tree stumps were quite fascinating! 

 

The gardens of several homes in nearby proximity

were grouped together this year.

It was nice to be able to park and walk to see two or three,

and not have to drive to each one. 

This also allowed for more time in the gardens if you were trying to see them

all in one afternoon, great for out-of-towners!

I just adore these pretty planters...

Azalea Belles were a welcoming sight at each garden.  

Azalea Belles are Junior and Senior High School ladies primarily

from New Hanover County.

Some of the gardens surrounded homes in the historic district

in picturesque downtown Wilmington. 

Many of the homeowners decorated the outside living areas also.

Couldn't you see yourself relaxing in the afternoon

 with a large glass of sweet tea or refreshing lemonade and a good book,

...or enjoying a cup of java

 over the local newspaper in the early morning?

...I sure could! 

Sweet impatiens tucked in palm tree trunks...

The potting shed, sporting a pretty red door,
was a charming oasis inside.

With old vintage furniture scattered amongst
 flowering orchids, soil, stacked pots, and gardening implements,
it was sure to double as a peaceful retreat!

What garden tour wouldn't be complete without a bed of flowers,
...and a fairy garden...

 The Cape Fear Garden Club Azalea Garden Tour,
along with over 50 other events

that make up the state's largest festival of it's kind,

The NC Azalea Festival, will be held April 8-10, next year.

Just maybe I'll see you along the tour trail next year...

~Rhonda

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