Last week I took part in a very special event, the second annual Garden2Blog. Hosted by garden and lifestyle expert P. Allen Smith, 24 garden bloggers from all over the country descended upon Little Rock, Arkansas to tour gardens, visit Allen’s spectacular garden homes, and spend time with each other. The event surpassed my expectations by far, not an easy achievement. For the next few weeks, I will be writing a series of posts to share this special journey with you.
Marlsgate Plantation. The columns are 40 feet tall.
Our first stop on our epic garden tour adventure was Marlsgate Plantation, a graceful and beautiful place that took us back to another time. This private estate was in ruins and being used as a barn when Mr. David P. Garner’s grandmother gifted it to him. He painstakingly revived it—all 32 rooms—to its former grandeur. David decorated the Greek revival manse in a way that only southern gentry can do—with no apology for lavishness and luxury. Each room is resplendent with an astounding collection of crystal, French porcelain, Oriental rugs, Carrara marble fireplaces and period furnishings.
The Music room at Marlsgate
As a self-proclaimed fiberholic, I was fascinated with the exquisite textiles—the hand-stitched quilts covering the beds, the formal silk and velvet draperies garnished with all manner of tassels, the lace pillows.
Marlsgate bedroom
Handmade quilt at Marlsgate
Lace pillow with quilt, Marlsgate
Mr. David P. Garner is the quintessential southern gentleman. As he stood on the grand staircase in the central hall, he drew us into his world and charmed us as he described the resurrection of Marlsgate. Dressed in a linen jacket and with a twinkle in his eye, I wouldn’t have been at all surprised if he pulled a rabbit out of a hat. A naturally gifted storyteller and entertainer, we wished we had more time to listen to his stories about Marlsgate. But the gardens were beckoning.
The fabulous David P. Garner
P. Allen Smith’s expert design hand was evident in the serene, green gardens surrounding the mansion, and as we walked on trellised pathways that led from garden room to garden room, we drank in the cool, splashing fountains and lush plantings. The stately conservatory was a destination in itself, with a view to the oaks and expansive green lawns that rolled down to the edge of the river.
Conservatory at Marlsgate
A hidden corner in the gardens at Marlsgate
A trellised pathway to a garden room
Later on, we’ll travel to Gaines, P. Allen Smith’s original garden home, in the heart of Little Rock. Join us!
DISCLOSURE: Attendees at Garden2Blog 2012, including myself, received transportation, accommodations and meals during the event. Event sponsors provided samples and product giveaways at no cost or obligation. All opinions are my own.
It couldn’t have been any better! Miss you!
I miss you more!
Beautiful. Something about those southern estates really pulls at the sentimental side of me. Can’t wait to see the rest of your pictures!
Thanks, Laura! It was an amazing experience!
What a beautiful home and garden … and the conservatory WOW! So glad you had the opportunity to visit and share with us!
Hi Teresa: Marlsgate is a fascinating place, and I am so lucky to have had the opportunity to visit. I think the conservatory was one of my favorite parts, but it is hard to pick!
Thanks,
Carolyn
Lovely photos, and wonderful descriptions of Marlsgate, Carolyn! Such a magical place.
Great to meet you and enjoy such a wonderful, memorable time with so many fantastic gardening folks.
Thanks, Linda. It was great to meet you as well. I enjoyed every minute of it.
Oh Carolyn! Thank you so much for the stunning captures! Such wonderul memories for you and the rest that attended. Just lovely
I’ll never forget it, Kathy.
Love Love Love southern homes.. Thanks for sharing this gem with us. Wow!
Hi Chris! You would love it, I’m sure! Thanks for visiting.
the #1 place I wanted to return to thank you for refreshing my memory of this lovely Estate and the Grand man that owns it… P Allen put the finishing touches on it with his beautiful garden design!
I wish you were with us, Annie. You were very much missed.