Garden by Garden: My 5-Day Journey Through the 2025 Memphis Garden Fling

In June, I traveled to Memphis, Tennessee to attend the Garden Fling—a multi-day garden tour that brings together garden writers, designers, photographers, and creators from across the U.S. (and beyond). Every year, the Fling takes place in a different city, and this year’s host city brought the soul, hospitality, and a whole lot of plant inspiration.

For five full days, I explored public gardens, private oases, and creative spaces that completely recharged my design brain. Whether you’re here for photo inspiration or looking for fresh planting ideas, I hope this recap of my time at the Fling gives you a little spark for your own garden projects.

🌅 Thursday, June 5 – Riverside Gardens

Our first day in Memphis began along the banks of the Mississippi River, where we explored two public spaces: the Memphis River Garden and Tom Lee Park. While these weren’t the most plant-dense gardens of the Fling, they offered a meaningful look at how cities can reimagine underused spaces through native plantings and ecological design.

Memphis River Garden

This 2-acre site features native grasses, wildflowers, sedges, and shrubs—designed to provide habitat for pollinators, birds, and small wildlife. It was encouraging to see lawn replaced with more sustainable, purpose-driven plantings right in the heart of the city. You could tell the space was curated and cared for, even if it’s still maturing.

Tom Lee Park

Next door, Tom Lee Park offered sweeping views of the Mississippi River alongside newly planted native meadows, tree groves, and sculpted landforms. The design reflects the flow of the river and honors the memory of Tom Lee, a Black river worker who courageously saved 32 people from a steamboat disaster in 1925. One of the most moving features is the central artwork, A Monument to Listening, which invites quiet reflection.

While these areas aren’t traditional gardens with bold borders or floriferous displays, they represent an important shift toward restorative and inclusive landscapes. It was inspiring to see Memphis investing in spaces that support both community use and ecological health.

🌿 Friday, June 6 – Public Parks and Private Charm

Memphis Botanic Garden

We started the day at the Memphis Botanic Garden, a 96-acre space filled with themed areas that made it feel like you were walking through 15 different gardens all in one place. It was playful, immersive, and full of little surprises around every bend.

fling group photo on a red bridge Memphis Botanic Garden — *Group photo of the Garden Fling Attendees on a red bridge at the Memphis Botanic Garden*

Our group gathered for a photo on the iconic Red Bridge in the Japanese Garden—a peaceful, serene space that immediately set the tone for the day. I loved how the design invited exploration, especially in spots where you could wind through paths, step through doorways, and truly feel immersed in each space.

One of my favorite areas was the 2.5-acre children’s garden. Even though it was designed for kids, I found myself completely charmed by the whimsical elements and creative layout. It was a great reminder that gardens can be both functional and fun—and that a little imagination goes a long way.

Another moment that stuck with me: a beautiful sculpture made of hanging birdhouses. It was such a simple yet impactful idea—something anyone could adapt for their own garden to add vertical interest and a bit of artistry.

While I didn’t get to see every corner of the property (this place is huge), I was struck by how each section felt like a fully realized garden in its own right. The diversity of styles—from serene to whimsical to naturalistic—made this stop one of the most enjoyable of the entire trip.

East Memphis Private Gardens

After the botanic garden, we toured several private home gardens in East Memphis. Each one had its own personality, but common threads included:

Artistic touches like sculpture, trellises, and found-object installations
Inviting patios, pools, and small greenhouses tucked into shady backyards
Solutions to real-life challenges like drainage, deep shade, or aging trees

Some of the gardens had been evolving for decades, while others were reclaimed from tricky sites like former lakebeds. It was such a treat to walk through these personal spaces and hear how the homeowners adapted and reinvented them over the years.

Dixon Gallery & Gardens

We wrapped up Friday’s tour at the Dixon Gallery & Gardens, a 17-acre estate that seamlessly blends art and horticulture. What made this stop so special was the guided tour by one of the staff members, who walked us through the different garden areas and shared behind-the-scenes stories about what’s growing, what didn’t survive the last deep frost, and what they’re planning to try next.

The staff were incredibly welcoming and knowledgeable, and they answered all of our group’s questions with thoughtful insights. I especially appreciated that we were divided into small groups of 5–10 people, which gave us time to really engage with the guide and take in the space at a slower pace.

One of my favorite parts of the garden was the cutting garden near the greenhouse—a cheerful and colorful area bursting with flowers in full bloom. It was inspiring to see how artful and abundant a functional space like that can be, and it definitely sparked some ideas for ways to incorporate more seasonal color into my own garden.

🌼 Saturday, June 7 – Midtown Moments & Garden Grandeur

Midtown Memphis and Central/Lenox Neighborhood Gardens

Saturday’s tour took us through a series of inspiring gardens in Midtown Memphis, particularly in the Central and Lenox neighborhoods. These were often small urban lots, but the creativity packed into these spaces was impressive.

Highlights included:

A variety of design styles—from lush and wild to neat and geometric
Repurposed materials, clever garden art, and unexpected vignettes
Intimate sitting areas, tucked-away patios, and shady retreat zones

There was a strong sense of personality in each space. Some felt like woodland sanctuaries, others like secret courtyards, but all were a testament to how much impact you can have—even in a compact footprint.

Bartlett Home Gardens

In the afternoon, we made our way to Bartlett, a suburb northeast of Memphis. Here, we toured a series of private gardens that leaned into woodland style and shady serenity.

Many of these properties had towering trees and a more naturalistic feel, with winding paths, collector plants, and artfully placed benches or sculpture. The homeowners clearly loved plants—each garden felt personal, curated, and deeply loved.

Some gardens opened up into sunny backyards with vibrant perennials, while others focused on deep shade plantings, showing off textures, foliage color, and plant combinations that thrive without full sun.

Annesdale Mansion

We ended the day with a very special stop at the historic Annesdale Mansion, where we also enjoyed dinner. This 19th-century Italianate estate is currently undergoing restoration by owner Bill Townsend, who personally led us through the grounds and shared his vision for bringing the property back to life.

While the gardens are still in progress, it was fascinating to hear about the mansion’s past and future. Bill spoke about his efforts to revive the formal garden layout, reintroduce historic plantings, and thoughtfully blend in native species and sustainable elements. His passion for the property was infectious, and even in its transitional state, the potential of the garden was easy to see.

Fling attendees posing for a group photo at the Annesdale Mansion.

There was something magical about exploring the grounds at dusk—knowing we were witnessing a landscape in the middle of a transformation. I can’t wait to see what becomes of Annesdale in the years to come.

🌟 Want to Put Your Own Spin on Your Garden?

One of the most inspiring parts of the Fling was seeing just how personal each garden felt. Whether it was a cozy backyard full of vintage finds, a collector’s shade garden, or a sprawling cut flower haven—every space had its own story.

If you’ve ever wished your garden reflected more of you, I’ve got just the thing to help.

👉 Check out my Garden Style Mood Board Workshop

This step-by-step workshop will help you define your garden style, gather inspiration, and create a mood board that becomes your north star for every future garden decision. It’s the perfect way to bring clarity, confidence, and creativity to your own garden design.

🌸 Sunday, June 8 – Garden Layers in Suburbia

Germantown Gardens

Sunday morning brought us to Germantown, where suburban gardening reached a whole new level. These gardens often spanned an acre or more and featured:

Lush perennial beds in layered styles (hello, 4-season interest!)
Backyard micro farms with raised beds and cut flower areas
Smart sustainable strategies like rain gardens, native plantings, and composting systems
A mix of cozy outdoor “rooms,” including fire pits, greenhouses, and she-sheds

It was exciting to see homeowners using their gardens not just for beauty, but as functional extensions of their lives—from floral businesses to relaxing retreat spaces.

Tammy & Dr. Jim Hausman Property + Floral Demo

Midday, we visited the Hausman property, a gracious and beautifully tended garden space that was the setting for one of the most entertaining parts of the day: a live flower arranging and bow-making demonstration by none other than John Mark Sharpe.

This wasn’t just a casual demo—John Mark had the whole group laughing, gasping, and snapping photos as he whipped up gorgeous floral arrangements with flair and fun. It was part inspiration, part performance, and all heart. The garden itself was lovely, but this lively, engaging experience made it especially memorable.

The floral arranging and bow-making demo was hosted at the home of: Tammy and Dr. Jim Hausman.

Bobby Lanier Farm Park

After lunch, we toured the Bobby Lanier Farm Park, a working suburban farm model with community gardens, orchards, and educational programming. The mission here is all about sustainability and stewardship—and I loved seeing how that translated into both growing practices and design.

More Midtown/East Memphis Gardens

We ended the day with another wave of private gardens tucked into Memphis neighborhoods. These included:

Creative water features (including a hidden waterfall!)
Native plantings and pollinator-friendly layouts
Sculptures, garden lighting, and reclaimed materials giving each space a sense of story
Even a Tennessee State Champion Vitex tree!

Every turn revealed something new—from espalier fruit trees to whimsical garden art to collections of Japanese maples. The diversity was incredible.

🌿 Monday, June 9 – Growing Community and Creativity

New Hope Urban Farm Garden

On our final day of the Fling, we visited the New Hope Urban Farm Garden—and I can honestly say it was the highlight of the entire trip for me.

This incredible space is part educational garden, part food production site, and part serene retreat. It’s designed to teach and nourish at the same time—offering students hands-on learning about horticulture, sustainability, and community resilience, all while growing fruits, vegetables, and beautiful flowers in a vibrant, welcoming setting.

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A post shared by PrettyPurpleDoor Garden Design (@prettypurpledoor)

We had the chance to meet some of the student volunteers and speak directly with the garden’s caretaker, who generously shared how the garden is managed, how crops are rotated, and how the space is designed for both productivity and joy. It wasn’t just about the plants—it was about purpose. You could feel the care, the intention, and the pride in every bed, pathway, and bloom.

There were places to explore, places to sit and reflect, and plenty of inspiration for anyone interested in edible landscaping or designing spaces with a greater mission. I left feeling deeply inspired—not just as a designer, but as a human being.

Cooper-Young Neighborhood Gardens

After New Hope, we took a self-guided stroll through Cooper-Young, one of Memphis’s most artistic and garden-friendly neighborhoods. This was the perfect way to end the Fling—meandering through colorful front yards, chatting with homeowners, and admiring how much creativity can fit into even the smallest urban plots.

These gardens had personality in spades—funky sculptures, climbing vines, tropical textures, edible gardens, pollinator habitats, and even a few surprises like bathtubs-turned-planters. It felt casual and deeply personal, as if each space was an extension of its owner’s style and spirit.

Cooper-Young was the kind of place where gardening meets storytelling. Each garden felt like a little poem—and the walk through the neighborhood was the perfect way to wind down after five full days of garden inspiration.

A few years back, I visited this exact neighborhood and wrote a whole article on touring the 80+ home gardens on the Cooper-Young Garden Walk. You can read more here.

💡 Garden Design Takeaways from Memphis

*Photo of Becca Mathias and I at the Millstone Market & Nursery.* *Thanks Pam Penick.*

*Group photo in the Cooper-Young district of Memphis.*

I left the Fling with more than just photos. Here are a few design lessons I’ll carry with me:

Focal points matter. Whether it’s a sculpture, urn, trellis, or tree, a strong visual anchor makes a garden feel intentional.
Shade is not a limitation. Many of the most layered, lush gardens we visited were deep in shade—proving you don’t need full sun for impact.
Storytelling is everything. From tribute gardens to repurposed brick paths to art installations, the best gardens told a story about the people who made them. Don’t forget to check out my Garden Style Mood Board Workshop if you want to create your own garden story.
Sustainability = beauty + function. Rain gardens, meadows, native plants, composting, water capture—it all blended beautifully into the design.

🙏 A Huge Thank You

Events like the Garden Bloggers Fling don’t happen without the generous support of sponsors—and I want to give a heartfelt thank-you to the companies, organizations, and individuals who made the 2025 Memphis Fling possible. From swag bags to garden access and everything in between, your support brought this experience to life for all of us.

Sponsors & Supporters:

Proven Winners, Bonnie Plants, First Editions, Minuteman Press, PickleWix Web Design
Bobby Lanier Farm Park, City of Germantown, Dixon Gallery & Gardens, Townsend Development, Germantown Harvest Gardens
Cooper-Young Garden Club, CobraHead, Memphis Botanic Garden, Foxgloves
Centurion, Crescent Garden, Dramm, Magic Gardener, Teak Closeouts, Timber Press, Tula Hats
Bonnie Thornton, Germantown Alderman, Mary Anne Gibson, Germantown Beautification Commission, Germantown Garden Club, Little Garden Club of Memphis, Scenic Hills Garden Club, Suburban Garden Club, Tennessee Federation of Garden Clubs, District 1.

#cobrahead #crescentgarden #dramm #picklewix #teakcloseouts #firsteditions #Bonnieplants #MagicGardener #TimberPress #CenturionBrands #CooperYoungGardenClub

Our Generous Garden Hosts:

One of the most meaningful parts of the Garden Bloggers Fling is the opportunity to step into private gardens and experience the heart and soul of how people design, live in, and love their outdoor spaces. I’m so grateful to the homeowners who opened their gates and welcomed us with open arms. Your creativity, warmth, and generosity made this event unforgettable.

Here’s a heartfelt thank you to the gardeners who hosted us throughout the week:

Friday, June 6 – Dr. Arsen Manugian, Karen & Alex Wellford, Charles Kistler, Mary & Jeff Sexton, Bonnie & David Thornton, Jacki Distretti, Susanne & Walter Allen
Saturday, June 7 – Shawna Engle & Seamus Loftus, Chip Morrison, Ellen & John Hornyak, Kathy Ake & Leigh Powell, Jeff McMillen, Michael & Patti McClain, David Babij & Brian Spight, Frank Armstrong & Terry Clark, Margot McNeely & Gary Backaus, Dr. Mark Mills & Scott Haynes, Linda Pittman, Jean Ward-Jones, Laurie & Tom Rieman, Bill Townsend (owner of Annesdale Mansion)
Sunday, June 8 – Pam Beasley, Susan & Jon Thompson, Tatyana & Dr. Alex Jankov, Tammy & Dr. Jim Hausman, Andy Williams & Dr. John Morris, Amy Bateson & Sarah Tinkler, Bernhard Meck & Dakoda Davis
Monday, June 9 – All of the amazing gardens of the Cooper Young Neighborhood on Blythe St., Cox St., Elzey St., Evelyn Ave., Felix Ave., Nelson Ave., Oliver Ave., Philadelphia St., and Young Ave.

Your gardens were not only beautiful, but inspiring in their individuality—and I’m so thankful to have seen them in person.

Local Clubs & Volunteers:

Special thanks also go to the local clubs and volunteers who hosted us with open arms and Southern hospitality—Germantown Garden Club, Scenic Hills Garden Club, Little Garden Club of Memphis, and so many more. We also had support from the Memphis Area Master Gardeners and generous contributions from our sponsors, who filled our swag bags and raffle tables with thoughtful gifts.

Fling Committee:

And of course, the biggest shout-out goes to the Memphis Fling Host Committee:
Kim Halyak, Sharron Johnson, John Simi, Bonnie Thornton, Pam Beasley, and Tatyana Jankov—thank you for pouring your hearts into this unforgettable event.

Wrapping Up

The Garden Fling was more than just a tour—it was a celebration of creativity, connection, and the power of gardens to express who we are. I’m so grateful to have been part of it and to bring back ideas and energy to fuel my own work and garden.

If you ever get the chance to attend a Fling or ANY garden tour, do it! You’ll come home with more inspiration than your camera roll can handle.