Touring the Gardens of Fourth Ward

It had been a few years since I'd been on a garden tour, so when I heard about one that was upcoming, the decision to go was made quickly.  This one took place in a historic neighborhood in Charlotte called Fourth Ward.  

Our oldest son lives in one of Charlotte's many high rise condo buildings which are typically what I think of when I think of living in the city.

Little did we know that within walking distance was this gem of a neighborhood waiting to be discovered.

 Near the start of the tour sat this gorgeous home.

Very well-maintained and majestic.

While it wasn't officially on the tour, I couldn't help but take a few photos.

 The gardens were also beautiful.

The wraparound porch caught my eye and the hanging light fixtures stopped me in my tracks.  I'd happily show up with homemade cookies and a pitcher of fresh squeezed lemonade in exchange for sitting a spell in such lovely surroundings.

 Turning the corner I couldn't resist a wee peek through the arbor.

Classical music was floating through the air.  Sigh!

 This charming house was on the tour.

Between you and I, I'd be quite happy to share a little homemade cookie and lemonade love on this front porch too.  Both would be wonderful places to sit and watch the world go by.

 The backyard garden illustrated that swimming pools are possible even on smallish city lots.  The two streams of water arching into the pool gave it such a tranquil feel.

 Next to the pool was this adorable storage shed or maybe it's a playhouse.  Either way it fit so nicely into the landscape.

 It was interesting to see how beautiful gardens were created even in seemingly tiny spaces.  Here they planted lush gardens in amongst the entrances to several townhouses.  The azaleas were in full bloom and paired nicely with these large ferns.

There was even a little waterfall tucked in amongst the plants.

A garden bench was placed across from it.

If I were a city dweller, I would really appreciate this natural area right outside my front door.  Seems to me somebody planned this out really well.

This honeysuckle covered gate in another garden added a feeling of privacy with a nice peek into the neighborhood.

It was fun to spend the day gazing into the gardens of others.

Almost like a little vacation.

It also inspired us to stop at the garden center on the way home to purchase a few plants for our own garden.

Once they are planted, I think it will be lemonade and cookies on the patio.

🍃🍃🍃

Hope your weekend has been enjoyable.