The Sewing Mom

It’s definitely spring in Texas. We’ve been having severe thunderstorms, hail, tornadoes, and temperature extremes that tell us that spring has indeed arrived.Besides bringing ever changing weather conditions, spring is also the time for gardening. Weather it’s vegetables or flowers, I think of quilts when I think of gardens, they really are quite similar. First, you must make a plan or layout of your design. Where will your different colors go, what works well next to each other. Then you begin putting your pieces together, making sure your seams or rows are straight and your stitching and soil is good and strong. After finishing all the piecing, add the backing to give it softness and warmth and in the garden you may add fertilizer for the same purpose. Then, barring any weeds growing or pieces not lining up, sit back and enjoy what you’ve created.

Of course, just like in quilting, some gardeners have more of a green thumb than others. I for one am better behind the sewing machine than behind the shovel and trowel. While I do plant a few things on my own, I’d prefer to visit the Shangri La Gardens and Nature Center in Orange, Texas where their professional gardeners have laid out formal eco-friendly gardens in a beautiful pattern for our enjoyment. Their expert design and construction has earned them the U.S. Green Building Council’s Platinum certification for LEED®-NC.

These gardens provide a sanctuary to over 300 species of plants and wildlife. In addition, there is an adjacent bird blind allowing visitors to view nesting birds. If you get hungry while visiting, there is a cafe with delicious food.These botanical gardens are located in Southeast Texas between Beaumont and Lake Charles, LA. If you’re in the area, it’s definitely worth a visit. After all, Shangri La means a place of beauty and peace.

Tags: botanical center, nature center, Orange Texas, Shangri La Gardens