Timing, as they say, is everything in life…especially when it comes to gardens. A lovely invitation to speak at the Fort Worth Garden Center gave me the opportunity to enjoy a part of the country that is always a favorite. Chilly weather, however, meant that it was a bit early for fruit trees and flowers to be bursting out — but perfect timing for daffodils!

A quick trip over to Dallas turned into a fantastical, Alice-down-the-rabbit-hole viewing of what is surely one of that Texas city’s most beguiling gardens and grounds. Poised on the edge of Turtle Creek, singular attention has been given to optimizing the topography of this property as it drops down to the creek.

A full swimming pool (looking less like the fuctioning pool that it is and more like a supra elegant reflecting pond) wraps around a large terrace.

Risers set into the grass (a very European touch) lead you down the slope from the Orangerie.

And, gracefully curved beds serve as punctuations for seasonal plantings — though I doubt if any flowers could be quite as dreamy as daffodils.

But what put me in a state of euphoria are both sides of this waterway that have been artistically planted with carefully selected daffodils…clustered tastefully in single colors rather than a mixed riot of many cultivars, as here on the house side…

And on the more informal opposite side.

A sturdy stone bridge makes it easy to enjoy all angles and paths of this inspired design.

The stone paths themselves are a study, curving around corners or easily taking you up a gentle rise.

Or guiding you to a well considered focal point.

If your stroll requires a rest spot, a solid stone bench has been graciously configured into the hillside.

As though from Hollywood casting, the old boat house (original to the property) is even given planting attention.

In a human (ooops, duck ) interest story, a hen finds this property and its caring owners so welcome that she returns year after year to hatch her ducklings. Not on the grounds (where they would be at the mercy of animals and birds of prey) but in the same terra cotta pot on the terrace right outside the library (and she doesn’t seem to be camera-shy either…).

Happy Spring!!