Garden Road Tripping, Volume 6

An exotic getaway

On Saturday, my husband and I got an inside look at the remarkable garden created by Mike Becker, assistant manager at our Hurst store. This is definitely not your run-of-the-mill backyard garden! We were awestruck.

Mike is a dedicated rosarian, and his garden is among the largest private rose gardens in the nation. The carefully curated beds are home to hundreds of rose varieties in every shape, color and size you can imagine. International tours have made a point to stop by Mike’s garden to see his collection.

Admittedly, this isn’t peak season for rose displays in Texas. But we still found plenty of beautiful bloomers, like this…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After walking among the roses you’re treated to this sight: A bold and lush tropical display wrapping around the back of Mike’s home. Gorgeous!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Definitely worth a closer look, eh?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some plants, like these Birds of Paradise, are individually potted and placed in the landscape. That way they can overwinter in a protected area and be brought out when the weather is more agreeable!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We can’t close this volume of Garden Road Tripping without mentioning some other unique finds from Mike’s garden. Like the world’s hottest peppers. To the far right is a Ghost Pepper plant, which was previously recognized by Guinness World Records as the hottest pepper in the world. Toward the left (you can somewhat see the plant tag) is a Fatalii Pepper. The Scoville Food Institute lists the Fatalii as the sixth hottest pepper with Scoville units ranging from 125,000-325,000 units. Mike assures me that he actually uses these peppers in cooking. Said he’ll be putting them into sauces. (Dinner guests beware!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here’s another interesting specimen: a Ylang-Ylang tree. The essential oils derived from this plant’s flowers are used in perfumes and aromatherapy. Mike has studied fragrance-making, and knows how to effectively combine the aromas of Roses, Ylang-Ylang and other ingredients. Cool, huh?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mike has invited us back when the weather cools down and the Roses are in bloom again. Can’t wait! We’ll bring you another virtual tour after our visit. Stay tuned!