I had such a lovely time at one of my favorite events of the season last weekend—The Madison-Ridgeland Academy (MRA) Garden Tour.
It always falls on a Bible Quiz tournament weekend, so hubby and I are usually hurrying through the 7 houses on the tour during the last visiting hours on Sunday. This time, hubby went alone to Bible Quizzing, which was in Tupelo. I stayed home with my ailing pup.
The day was fairly warm and little humid. We’d had a gully-washer the day before, and the ground was still muddy. Even so, Mississippians know how to roll out the red carpet over the mud and welcome you to their expertly manicured backyards. They’ll even offer you ice cold water and point you to the nearest toilet—there are no strangers here!
The first house was a historic one that I’ve ogled for years as I drove my daughter to horse camp. It’s less than a mile away from my home, but it feels like it’s out in the country. It was a stopping place for Andrew Jackson throughout his life. It is extraordinary!
Next was another out-in-the-country feeling place not far from me in the other direction. The main draw here was the potager garden. I was so impressed with the maturity of the plants! My garden seems infantile in comparison!
I met the gardener and picked her brain. I asked if she did consultations, and she assured me that it was a major part of her business, which started as a side hustle during the pandemic. I told her that my son had a green thumb with native plants, but he’s not much help with raising veggies. She rounded on me suddenly, and asked, “Who’s your son?”
Apparently, she had just told her husband they needed to find my son, whom they assumed was a “kid.” Alas, he’s a married adult now. Anyway, I was happy to connect them, and I hope the connection is beneficial for both parties!
The next house was one I’d visited on the same tour 7 years ago, and again a few years back when the family hosted a Young Life night. It was dark that second visit, and I’m an honest-to-goodness blond, so I didn’t connect the two events. The house has been a dream house of mine on Reunion Lake, with a swim-up bar in the pool, and 65-foot screened-in porch overlooking the lake, pool, and boat slip. It’s for sale! I think my house is in a better location though, and you know what they say in real estate: “Location, location, location!”
I now have lots of fresh ideas from visiting the gardens on the MRA Garden Tour. The other yards were lovely, especially their tablescapes, which are designed by local businesses, but I’m partial to my own backyard. When I drove up in my now sweaty clothes, AC blasting my face and seat, I thanked God for allowing me live in such a wonderful home. He’s been good, y’all!
