The Little Purple House
There are whimsical gardens and then there is Lucinda Hutson's "Texican" garden – an unapologetic explosion of color that is pure FIESTA. Brought up in El Paso, Texas she regularly traveled to Mexico and central America whose colors and traditions continue to influence her. Lucinda loves to make everday life a fiesta and encourages others to do the same, whether it’s with festive cocktails…vibrant garden-to-plate dishes…or creative design ideas from her “Texican” artisan cottage and gardens.
Set amid a row of more typical Austin homes, the vivid purple facade of her 1940's cottage offers a hint at what lies both within and beyond but nothing could have prepared me for the extravagance of lush tropical vines and billowing flowers that both framed and engulfed a series of garden rooms.
The front garden was a jungle of rampant plant growth where dozens of flitting butterflies added to the vibrant display.Of course Lucinda had to take this a step farther and introduce her own life-size version….
A guardian butterfly flutters in the breeze
I wonder if Lucinda ever takes a moment to bushwhack her way to this cozy nook and contemplate her magical kingdom?
Themed vignettes
Succulents reminiscent of seaweed frame a mermaid, swimming in a seashell adorned grotto
Each themed room was reminiscent of a fantastical sidewalk painting, straight from Mary Poppins. My hurried snapshots, taken on an intensely sunny day cannot even begin to do justice to these kaleidoscopic displays but I've given you some great links at the end of this post which include Lucinda's own images taken in optimal lighting. Be sure to enjoy those!
Decorative plates edge the kitchen garden
Every party needs music!
One of Lucinda's offices is in the garden. Opening the door is an invitation to enter her Stairway to Heaven, a remarkable mosaic showpiece.
"Stairway to Heaven"
Colored walls
Heading deeper into the back garden a cluster of buildings painted in equally bold colors provide Lucinda a series of additional canvases for her artistic touch
Colorful oil cloth was used to cover these shelves, instantly waking up the dark purple wall
A weathered wooden curio cabinet holds Mexican tiles
One of my favorite wall displays was the collection of Mexican children's chairs, which Lucinda uses to perch tools or coffee cups as the need arises.
Using vines
Vines play an important role in this garden, taking the eye skywards while introducing more color and framing scenes.
Bougainvillea catching the morning sun
Why grow one vine up a birdhouse when you can grow two????
The perfect color echo
Tiny details
No opportunity is lost to add party flair.
If you'd like to learn more about Lucinda, and see fabulous photos of all her garden check out her website.
You may also enjoy her book Viva Tequila!, a festive blend of inspired recipes for fabulous drinks and dishes, lively personal anecdotes, spicy cultural history, and colorful agave folk art proverbs and lore. It would make a wonderful gift for the party lover in your life, or anyone interested in anthropology. Check out my affiliate link below:
Wow! I love this! Such joy in the colors —and love in the details! Viva Lucinda!
Indeed!!
What a wonderful capture and story of dear Lucinda's garden! You had such a busy Austin schedule–while a bit under the weather–that I admire you even more for your energy and poetry and beautiful pictures!
You are too kind Linda! Lucinda's garden is such a treasure – so glad I didn't miss it!