Southern Gardening

Today we’re visiting Dunleith Historic Inn, one of the grand mansions in Natchez. What do you say we explore the grounds a bit? One of the interesting ideas I like are the huge baskets hanging from the live oaks. Have you ever seen a basket hanging from a 30-foot chain with mixtures of vinca, salvia and Swedish ivy hanging over the edges? Moving around back, we find the courtyard surrounded by the perimeter boxwood parterre and plantings featuring heritage type flowers. In the center, the multi-tiered fountain adds the soothing sound of moving water.

Today Southern Gardening is visiting a great example that your garden does not have to be large to have a big impact. We’re in Natchez at the Rosehill Cottage garden which makes the most of a small landscape planted with flowering, colorful perennials. Everywhere you look in the front landscape are roses. You can certainly see where this landscape got its name. Other plants of interest include the poppies, with their big flashy flowers. I really like this double flowered variety that is simply stunning, and makes a bold statement.

Southern Gardening is in Natchez with its rich architectural and landscape history. Today we have the opportunity to visit Glen Auburn, which was built in 1875, and share some of the beautiful garden rooms. Walking up to the front gate, I love the symmetry; it’s like walking into a formal living room. The white picket fence, pittosporum hedges and the pink Wave petunias pouring out of the white urns all work together. The herringbone brick walk, bordered by boxwood hedging and gorgeous pink Knockout roses, leads us around the front porch.