COTE DE TEXAS: Reed Dillon: Private Gardens

Reed Dillon: Private Gardens

 

image My back yard.

 

Many years ago when Ben and I built our house – we were faced with a tiny yard – a mere 20x50 plot of land – not a backyard truly, more a courtyard.   Building on a town lot like ours doesn’t leave, unfortunately, much spare space for a swimming pool or beautiful views.   Our house was due to be completed in the early fall and when my parents returned from their annual summer in California to see our almost finished house – to their dismay, the backyard was a desolate area, filled with unsightly construction debris.   Ben and I had decided to put grass out back along with a few flower beds and call it a day.  Frankly, we were over our budget and professional landscaping was not exactly where we had planned to use our precious few funds.  But, my parents were insistent.  They themselves had lived in a townhouse with a courtyard and knew how vital that space was to a house’s decor.   And so they offered, as parents are wont to do when children are penniless, to provide the landscaping as a housewarming gift.   It was probably one of the best things done for our interiors.   You see, our entire back wall is French doors which open onto the courtyard and the landscaping is seen from every room downstairs.   We turned to Reed Dillon, a young landscape architect who, with his partner owned Ruckel-Dillon.  Reed came up with a wonderful design, he approached the courtyard as if it was actually another room in the house.  He added a large brick terrace that lead directly from our house, past the covered porch, on through the back fence.    On each side of the terrace were two grassy areas, framed by brick-lined flower beds.    For the front yard, he designed a large, curving, brick-lined bed and a rose garden.   But it was the back courtyard that really showed off Reed’s vision.  Through the years, we have used our backyard as a second family room.  I practically live outside – writing on my laptop all through the day and night while sitting at a table and chair on the brick terrace.    In the past sixteen years, we have changed very little from Reed’s original design, a testament to his talents.  We did replace the two grassy areas with gravel, something that I think Reed would have originally done had we not insisted on greenscape for our dogs.  At one point we added a fountain – an anniversary gift to ourselves.   But otherwise, the design remained the same.  The two once small ligustrums now tower over corner beds  and  the fence is overgrown  with fragrant, flowering vines.    We look at the yard and marvel at how Reed’s vision became the focal point of our house – he took a dirt filled, small patch of land and turned it into a place that draws the eye and the body of everyone who comes over to visit.

 

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Our courtyard last summer.

At the time we built our house, Reed Dillon and his wife Stacey also lived in West University, in a house designed by architect Kurt Aichler (a favorite of mine, as readers of this blog well know.)  Kurt is a favorite of the Dillons too – he actually designed two of their houses in Houston.     Though Ruckel-Dillon was successful in Houston – they worked on yards in all the toniest of neighborhoods  – both Stacey and Reed were from Kansas, and after 15 years here, they decided to move back home to Lawrence.  

 

 

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   The stucco house in West University designed by Kurt Aichler for Stacey and Reed Dillon.

Once Stacey and Reed and their two young children were settled back in Lawrence Kansas, he opened Reed Dillon and Associates, quickly picking up from where he left off  in Houston.    They decided on a large piece of property to build a new house and turned to Aichler  to design a sprawling French inspired home made of stucco and stone.   The many gardens surrounding the house were of course designed by Reed.   John Kidd from Houston was called on to design the interiors, along with help from Rusty Arena, another Houstonian who added the special wall treatments to the dining room, amongst other spaces.    It had been years and years since I last spoke with Reed, but one day a few weeks ago he and Stacey and I sat down for a lesiurely cup of coffee at, yes, of course, Starbucks.    Stacey and Reed were sweet enough to share pictures of their house and gardens back in Kansas.   They had recently hosted a winter wedding  for their son at their house and those pictures were an added treat.   Talking about their house, it amazed me how many Houstonians they had used to design their house in Kansas.  But, knowing how talented their team is, I completely understood their reluctance to use anyone else.   Reed teased Stacey that he was ready to hire Kurt again –  to design, perhaps,  a Belgian inspired house – but judging from the look on Stacey’s face, that is in the future.  Myself, I was overwhelmed by pictures of their house – and especially their gardens.  Thinking on my own small courtyard and the happiness it has brought me, I can’t imagine the joy that must come from looking out on views like the Dillons have.  It must be absolute heaven. 

 

 image Lawrence, Kansas:  The house that Kurt Aichler designed for Stacey and Reed Dillon.   Part stone, part stucco, there is a long, walled courtyard at the front of the house. 

 

 

 

image The winding stone walk leads up to the courtyard.

 

 

 

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Through the iron gates, onto the front door.

 

 

image  Throughout the property are architectural elements that the  Dillons have collected at antique stores and salvage yards.  Here, old iron gates lead to the front courtyard.  

 

 

 

 

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Along the back of the house is a large flagstone terrace with a pond, a swimming pool and assorted gardens.  At the left is a stone lined, running stream.  The Dillons’ property extends out past the back fields. 

 

 

 

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A close-up view of the flagstone terrace.   A series of steps lead down into the different gardens.

 

 

 

image Another picture of the same view, different season.  Both Stacey and Reed are avid gardeners.  

 

 

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A view of another section of terrace, off the living room. 

 

 

 

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The swimming pool is a focal point.  A large industrial autoclave salvaged by the Dillons was turned into a fountain.  Just beautiful!!

 

 

 

 

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Another view of the swimming pool area.

 

 

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Another water feature in the garden is this fountain which leads off the back terrace. 

 

 

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Another view of the pond, looking towards the house.   The back fields are to the right, past the stream.

 

 

 

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A photograph taken a few years earlier when the plants were not quite as tall.  The stream is really visible here.  Also, you can see the wooden pergola on the left. 

 

 

 

image The log garden structure with the stream behind it.   This leads off the parterre garden.

 

 

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A view of the parterre garden, with its gravel paths and box enclosed beds.

 

 

 

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A large pot stands in the center of the parterre garden – off the kitchen and breakfast room.  I think this is my favorite garden!! 

 

 

 

 

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A view of the house taken by the pond.   In the reflecting sunlight, the stucco almost looks pink.

 

 

 

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Spring:  The large gently rolling fields beyond the back terrace is filled with bulbs that Reed has planted.  Yes, this is still their yard!!  So pretty!    Who knew Kansas was so beautiful????

 

 

 

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More spring daffodils. 

 

 

 

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An early spring view of one side of the yard featuring ornamental trees.  These beds are edged in stacked stone. 

 

 

 

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This winter:   The Dillon’s son was recently married at their house, where a large tent was erected past the back terrace.   With a huge stroke of luck, a heavy snow fell the day before the wedding.  Stacey would not allow anyone to traipse through the snow, hoping to keep the view pristine.  Along the stone walk at the right, you can see the white candles in votives,  waiting to be lit.   Is this too gorgeous???????

 

 

 

 

image Inside, all the furniture was removed to make room for the guests.  The wedding took place in the formal living room.  Here, the dining room was emptied save for a library table holding the wedding book.   Past the window you can see the terrace where some of the furniture was moved to.    

 

 

image The same dining room, as it is normally furnished.  Houstonian John Kidd did the interiors and Houstonian Rusty Arena did the wall treatments in this room.   I love how the host chairs are different than the guest chairs.  

 

 

 

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Close up of the dining room – ready for the wedding.  Through the window you can see past the terrace to the reception tent. 

 

 

 

image On the back terrace, looking into the dining room.  The furniture was moved outside to make room for the wedding. 

 

 

 

 

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The formal living room – ready for the wedding.    The antique fireplace mantel is so tall that Stacey can actually stand inside it!  Notice how beautiful the ceiling is.  

 

 

 image The living room as it is usually furnished.   The Dillon house was featured in Betty Lou Phillips book:  Unmistakably French.

 

 

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I had to show the bride and groom!!!!

 

 

image The kitchen in preparation for the wedding.  Of course the flowers were beautiful!!

 

 

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Roses were placed inside this niche.

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The tent going up behind the terrace.  On the right is the entry tent located over the small fountain. 

 

 

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The linking tent between the house’s back terrace and the reception tent.    This tent is over the fountain area off the terrace (see below.)

 

 

 

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The small fountain – where the linking tent was placed.  Looks so different in the summer!

 

 

 

image  Inside the tent.  All the tables were skirted in linen.   The sides of the tent were draped.  Jill Brown from Houston’s BROWN provided the large Italian chandeliers for the event. The Dillons wanted the tent to seem as if it was another room in the house. 

 

 

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A view of the tent – on the left, guests are sitting on the furniture taken from the formal living room.   Hard to believe this room is really outside in the winter air!!

 

 

 image  And finally, another picture of the seating area of the tent.  There was even a faux fireplace erected for the event.   Recognize the antique coffee table and sofas from the living room?

 

 

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Reed Dillon, sitting by his fountain.

Below is a list of Reed’s favorite plants for your perusal.  Reed’s company, Reed Dillon and Associates, is located in Lawrence, Kansas, but they perform work throughout the United States.  I hope you’ve enjoyed seeing this landscaper’s own gardens – with a peek into a gorgeous wedding at home!  Congratulations to the newlywed couple -  many, many years of happiness.  The beautiful wedding photographs were taken by J. Gladman Studios in Lawrence, Kansas.

To access Reed Dillon’s web site, go HERE.

 

Favorite Plants for the Garden:

Hydrangeas, all types, they have a wonderful scale and are blooming in the summer when most people are outdoors.

Roses, have a great feel and look.  The Knockout variety are fabulous and with no black spots or diseases, they are worry free.

Boxwood, they are the work horse of the garden, looking beautiful when they are sheared and bringing fabulous winter structure to the garden.

Azaleas, as long as you site your azalea with East or North light and a little shade with lots of compost, they will perform beautifully here.

 

Reminder:  The new Skirted Roundtable with Tobi Fairley is now online HERE.  Enjoy!!!

107 comments :

  1. Wowweee! Those pictures of house and gardens are spectacular!!!! What a talent!

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  2. Wowweee! Those pictures of house and gardens are spectacular!!!! What a talent!

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  3. Amazing post per usualy joni! LOVE it :)

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  4. stunning. absolutely stunning. i scrolled over the indoor wedding/outdoor reception several times....thank you so much for this sneak peek!!

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  5. Amazing!!! I had scene inside the house in Betty Lou's book, but the outside is just beautiful! What a wedding!

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  6. Lee (Go KSU Wildcats)March 21, 2010 at 10:19 PM

    Joni, i had no idea that Lawrence had anything as gorgeous and breathtaking. We may have to take a day trip over there and check it out. And you "knew him back when", which is probably how he thinks of you, too.

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  7. Wow....what beautiful grounds. Remember your comment a blog or two back...wanting to go home and blow it all up to start over. Feeling that! Just gorgeous, the wedding, everthing!

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  8. Thank you so much for getting me out of the house...been stuck in here all day sick (good excuse to have a blog-fest though).
    I loved the winding stone walkway that lead up to the house and the log garden structure was just beautiful. And the parterre....I could go on and on!

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  9. Gorgeous! Everything!

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  10. I just don't even know what to say. This is undeniably stunning. Gorgeous, tasteful, meticulously planned. And I'm not even talking about the wedding yet! It's all so absolutely inspiring. It's a good thing I didn't see this BEFORE I got married - I don't think I could ever replicate anything like this and I probably would have killed myself trying ;)

    Terrific post. Marija

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  11. Yummy post! Oh, I am so ready to stroll through gardens again after this long, cold winter.

    Edward would love Mr. Dillon's garden. So much room to run. But, he doesn't look old enough to have a child getting married, does he?

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  12. Now that's a wedding...that tent is unreal, hard to believe your outside !!!

    Loved this post...

    Just beautiful !!!

    Kathy :)

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  13. You have got to be kidding me?!! Amazing!

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  14. I do know how to spell you're Yikes time for bed !!!

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  15. Absolutely gorgeous! Thanks for sharing. You know the coolest people, Joni! I'm so jealous..or is it envious? :)

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  16. Love the different sections of the garden and the stream. I have never been to a wedding in a tent in the winter but it must be magical.

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  17. Oh Joni, what a perfect place for a wedding! The house and gardens are gorgeous. I know the winter wedding was beautiful, but I would have begged the anxious couple to wait until spring when everything was in bloom and those gardens could have been ejoyed by everyone! Thank you for sharing more beauty on your blog. laurie

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  18. What a great story, (why should I be surprised?) - and the Reeds are indeed talented gardeners. I love the slightly overgrown look of the gardens, which is very English. The drawing room of the house looks as though it was designed for a wedding, and the marquee was fabulously decorated in a very warm and almost "natural" way. I think I would have enjoyed going to this wedding!

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  19. joni i am speechless. every photo truly took my breath away!
    this landscape designer feels a need to go back to school, wow! and to be so young
    LOVED this tour and will be back again and again
    ps; did anyone notice the to die for faux bois set on the terrace?
    debra

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  20. i am speechless... truly... hope this finds you well... getting back in the saddle... xx

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  21. Stunning images. That house, those gardens. that wedding..so much inspiration to take in. I too have a small courtyard for our backyard..you have given me such inspiration to start ours..thank you! ~lulu

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  22. Oh Dorothy, I see why you wanted to go home to Kansas! What a site for a wedding.

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  23. The garden and the house are wonderful! It would be very nice to have a wedding in such a wonderful big house!
    I so loved the idea to not step on to that snowbed!! And the candles who were placed along that walkway!
    Love your post Joni!
    xx
    Greet

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  24. Joni, Thank you for takng us outside . And the wedding was stunning, every detail is well thought and gorgeous

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  25. Oh. Be. Still.My Heart!

    That was such a visual treat....and then throw the logistics and beauty of the wedding on top of it. Oh my oh my.

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  26. Joni, I've always admired your yard. It's simply beautiful....Thank you so much for this post. These gardens are just amazing!!!

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  27. Beautiful Joni! Our landscaping transformed our house too. So glad we made the huge investment when we did six years ago.
    xoxo,
    Sue

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  28. Good fill someone in on and this fill someone in on helped me alot in my college assignement. Thank you for your information.

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  29. Joni,
    I LOVE landscaping posts and I LOVE wedding posts! This was the best of both!! How stunning to get married amid such beauty!! Just beautiful - you have the best photos!! My poor daughter... Much to her dismay I have been planning her wedding for years (and she is only 13!)- This one goes in the inspiration file.
    xx-Gina

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  30. Now I want to get married again! Stunning...all the details done to perfection. Amazing that the dining room can look so fabulous without almost any furniture!

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  31. Thanks for showing Lawrence in its beauty. The Dillon garden, is indeed, spectacular. Everytime I see his company's trucks in front a house, I know magic will be created. Lucky us.

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  32. well, you have outdone yourself once again! That room with the tied back, voluminous curtains is one of the most romantic, magical perfect rooms ever - those curtains almost sing!

    Thanks for a beautiful treat!

    Suzanne on St. Simons

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  33. What a fabulous property inside and out. We are currently in the midst of starting a pool in our backyard and adding a secret garden to our side yard. I am like a sponge right now when it comes to landscape pictures. Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful property.

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  34. What a gorgeous place for a wedding, I love the structure and finishes in that home and the candlelit path through the bed of freshly fallen snow....divine;) Thanks Joni.

    Besos,
    Jaime

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  35. Well, now I know what they mean..something about "we're not in Kansas anymore!" But, I'd like to be! Yowsa, what eye candy. And, Joni, YOUR yard is magical.

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  36. I love your courtyard, Joni! I've done the big yard, pool and patio thing {still am} but would be just as happy with a lovely courtyard like yours. What a beautiful house and grounds the Dillons have! Just stunning.

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  37. This HAS TO BE one of the top "shows" you've done. I'm just in total awe! THANX! franki

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  38. Absolutely beautiful. How divine to be able to host a wedding for your child at your home - truly a dream.

    I wish I had a green thumb. I truly enjoy beautiful gardens and landscaping, but do not have the interest or funds to have a gardener to maintain the look! So, I have to request 'low maintenance' that only requires once a month maintenance. This is why posts on gorgeous landscapes appeal so much - I get to enjoy the beauty, and not worry about the maintenance!

    Great post.

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  39. Joni-I started reading this post early this morning before my kids were out of bed. I didn't get very far before they were up and I had to get them ready for school. So I thought I will wait until they are gone and come back to this so I can really enjoy it. I had just gotten far enough to know that it was about landscaping. I thought "Joni always seems to know right where I'm at." Over budget and little funds. When I got back home from taking the kids to school and continued with the post I could hardly believe it when I read Lawrence, KS. No wait. This can't be!! I'm in Lawrence, KS on a daily basis. You see I live in Baldwin City, KS which is only 20 minutes from Lawrence. The only thing we have in Baldwin is a handful of fast food restaurants, a small grocery store and a dollar general. We have to go to Lawrence to do anything! I can't even begin to tell you how exciting this is!!

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  40. Two words, one sound; Thank You, mmmmmm.

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  41. Wow! I will come back to this over and over. The gardens are amazing. I'm so ready to begin work on mine again. These are so inspiring. I had seen some of the interior pics in Betty Lou Phillipp's book but of course not all. Absolutely stunning. And the wedding! Every detail is perfection down to the faux fireplace in the tent. Thanks for sharing this.

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  42. Wonderful and to think the Dillon's are just a few miles from Kansas City in KU Land! Absolutely beautiful property. So glad you had them to enjoy for awhile Joni!

    Karena
    Art by Karena

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  43. Joni- I couldn't get the link to my website to open. So, for anyone interested, the website address is www.reeddillonlandscape.com. The post looks great! Thanks so much.
    Reed

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  44. Amazing work and extraordinary talent. Thanks for sharing. The tents are Swoon-worthy!

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  45. Beautiful! The wedding tent really brings a new meaning to the word "tent"!
    I love the salvaged fountain piece at the pool... so interesting!!

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  46. Simply incredible -- what an eye for design, balance and color in the landscape! And the fountain was truly amazing! This home should be in a magazine! This posting would make a fabulous winter feature article! And the wedding was divine -- how lucky for the bride and groom! Sigh.

    Jan at Rosemary Cottage

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  47. Hi Joni~ First off I adore your patio area and all of your plants.
    Reed Dillon's work and home are amazing and made the perfect backdrop for a fairy tale wedding- WOW!
    Thanks for the nudge to get my flower beds and pots cleaned up and repotted.
    T

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  48. Dear Joni,
    You don't know how much I love the details and topics of your blog. I am the OHIO friend of the new Houstonian you recently met @Olivine. I am her much shy-er friend :)I have enjoyed your posts soo much I have shared your site with everyone :) Today's garden photos came at the perfect time...we meet with our landscaper tonite. After all, I have to get our backyard ready for my daughter's wedding who isn't even engaged yet! I also have an expectant daughter living in McKinney TX soo....I'm planning that nursery too. You have even inspired me to create my own blog to share all the things I love like Cote de Texas with my very busy friends. I figure it makes sense that only one friend spends hrs and hrs on-line stalking the web. I've joyfully taken on that responsibility. Keep inspiring our dreams! Blessings, Lisa

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  49. Absolutely delicious Joni...brings back memories of weddings at our home! We have had 3, one where all the furniture had to be removed because of rain!

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  50. Well you have done it again. Amazing!!!
    One of your best posts ever. Thank you for always inspiring us. Sue

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  51. THIS is Vanishing Threshold !!! House & garden are, indeed, one.

    It's obvious Reed Dillon is more than a LA he's a plantsman too.

    Ha, I always liked your backyard and thought YOU did it. Lucky you, having Reed.

    Garden & Be Well, XO Tara

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  52. Wondeful Joni, thank you. I loved the wedding part and thought that the decoration was magnificent ...lucky bride and groom to have such a beautiful venue. xv.

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  53. What a beautiful estate, even covered in a layer of freezing cold snow it still looks so inviting!

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  54. Spectacular! I want a miniature version of that garden out my back door. I'd be happy with your courtyard for that matter. I must get to work on my backyard. It's nice...but nothing in comparison.

    Thanks so much for this in depth post.

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  55. Wow! I had to sit down with a cup of coffee and really devour this. I am also overwhelmed at the Dillon's home in Kansas. The wedding and the tent are over the top gorgeous! The gardens are spectacular! Wow!

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  56. That's crazy beautiful. But I love your outdoor area, too.

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  57. Wonderful ... all of it! TY Joni for another entertaining (and pretty) post -- your site is positively addictive!

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  58. What a tiny world. My partner's parents live in Lawrence and are friends with Stacy's parents. I've always heard them talk about this house but I've never seen photos until now.

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  59. This post was pure eye candy.

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  60. Well your article helped me altogether much in my college assignment. Hats high to you post, choice look progressive for the duration of more cognate articles promptly as its one of my choice question to read.

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  61. Dear Joni, I discovered your blog, and blogging in general, about two months ago. Every morning it is an adventure to see what my new friends are up to! Your blog today was especially relevent as I have a pocketbook size garden that is barren and is making me quite unhappy . . . your little garden gave many ideas and the kick needed to get it done! Thanks for that! And my daughter who lives in Manhattan KS. travels to Lawerence often and always drives by the Dillons home. She is thrilled to know, as Paul Harvey would say, the rest of the story! Is it OK to have a BFF that you don't even know? If so, I tap you! Many thanks for the great reads and as a former Houstonian, who tramped thru West U with babies in tow a lifetime ago, the lovely memories you evoke of Houston. BFF, Patty

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  62. Okay, my jaw hit the floor! Amazing! Such an inspiration. Look forward to combing through the photos, thank you! Monica

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  63. Oh my, this home is simply stunning and the grounds are to die for! Thanks so much for taking us inside to enjoy a little peek at their wonderful wedding, and of the inside of their beautiful home! Their gardens make me want to go plant, plant, plant!

    Kat :)

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  64. I second the small world comment! We featured Reed and Stacy's lovely home in Kansas City Spaces a few years ago. Would you like me to share the photographs with you?

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  65. Great post Joni. I loved hearing about how you got your wonderful back patio. It's my dream to some day have a back yard that is so pretty. And I was excited to hear that Reed lives in Lawrence. I'm from Kansas and lived in Lawrence while attending KU. This makes me want to go back and visit. His garden is stunning! I encourage others to check out his web site...beautiful pictures. What talent!

    Mary

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  66. I don't long for much, but a beautiful yard would be heavenly! And to be occasionally blanketed with snow? Magical! I call my West U home a "glorified patio home." I was born and raised here and love my home, but yards are hard to come by in this jewel of a neighborhood! To make the most of our "patio" we added a fountain. The sound of running water does wonders for even the tiniest of "yards!"

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  67. oh my gosh!!! i want to live there!!!! heaven!!!
    xoxo

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  68. Joni, these are such BEAUTIFUL images! This warmer weather has me in the mood for spring and tinkering out in the garden, thanks for the inspiration!

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  69. Joni your garden is lovely and intimate. The Dillon gardens are beautiful as well, but the house is a bit "Early Vegas" inside.

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  70. Wouldn't it be so amazing if we could all just live outdoors in a beautiful garden with wonderful furnishings...oh to dream it!

    This was a magical post!!!

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  71. Beautiful home and property! What a luxury to have all that outdoor space.
    Deborah

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  72. wow, look at that, very creative and inspiring, I wish I could design something like that

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  73. Hmmm, jealousy on the SRT!!! Ha! Come see my weeds hahahaha! Love that wedding
    ...wonder if Hubby will go for a renewal of vows in the dead of Winter???
    xx Lyn (LINI)

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  74. Pray excuse me, but frankly I can't see where is this related to interior design, French or either inspirational.

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  75. Beautiful gardens and beautiful wedding. Love it!

    Please take a look at my new blog entry. I did use some photos from your blog. I hope you do not mind.

    Best,

    Melissa

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  76. All I can think of is WOW! Your courtyard is exquisite and truly is an extension of your lovely home. And I loved seeing the pictures of the Dillons' stunning home in Kansas and of their son's exquisite wedding. What a feat they pulled off!

    Thanks for another inspiring post.

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  77. oh my goodness this is amazing. First, must say that your courtyard is one of my favorite "rooms" in your house. I love when you post snaps of it.next- what an amazing house the Dillons have and the wedding looked just spectacular! Thank you so much for this post.

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  78. What a wonderful post. You make me want to get to work out back. Thanks.

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  79. That garden is HEAVEN! Thanks for the pictures... so, so beautiful!

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  80. Joni, what a phenomenal post and great lead-in from your own home/story! Their house is incredible, like living in a castle or something. That formal living room is TO DIE FOR isn't it? WHat an incredible wedding and that back yard, stretching out to the fields beyond is the best part. I agree that one of the most lovely parts of a house is the view beyond. We don't have a grand home or land, but we do have a landscaped back yard (not by a landscape architect though!) and it makes all the difference looking out and seeing the beauty of the seasons.

    Wow Kansas!

    See you Saturday! xox

    Terri

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  81. I'm amazed that that is someone's home. Gorgeous, expansive, and perfectly put together. Love everything about it.
    Lila Ferraro
    Queen Bedroom Sets

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  82. Hi Everybody!

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  83. A truly wonderful tour of the Dillon's garden Joni - I could almost hear the gravel on the parterre garden paths crunching under my feet. Your courtyard garden is a gem, a delightful extension of Casa de Webb, it must give your both much pleasure.
    Millie ^_^

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  84. Lina, it's not about design. Rather, it is about a big fish in a little pond wishing to show the little fish in a big pond a thing or two about moving to a more affordable location and getting more bang for the buck and using Joni as the vehicle. Throw in wedding pictures and you have all of the family publicity you are too cheap to pay for. Does that answer your question.

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  85. What a lovely post. Those iron gates are amazing. The dining room chandelier is stunning as well.

    xo,
    cristin

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  86. Oh, the details! So much to see.
    I shall be back for several visits.

    Thank you for the tour(s) Joni.

    Delightful!!!!! -Brenda-

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  87. The wedding in the living must have been a dream come true!..stunning home and gardens

    thanks!

    Kit

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  88. A dream to be married in such a home with such beauty and style. The work that must have gone in this wedding preparation!!!
    As for the gardens...i am drooling, speechless, I just love the parterre, the terraces....it is all perfectly done, neither ostentatious nor expected

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  89. Lini and totally obnoxious anon - how rude can you both be? I have a feeling that anon is my usual stalker. You could not be more wrong.

    Actually, this post came about because I am friends with Jill Brown - who is friends with Reed. She thought I would love to see his house because Kirk A. designed it. This started a conversation about getting together again with my landscaper - mostly to show Aichler's work. Reed was gracious to agree to open his house to me when Jill approached him. If you think he needs free publicity from me - thanks for thinking I'm capable of that. ha! What a joke. AND, truth be told, Reed was a big fish in a big pond - did you not see his house in Houston????

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  90. What, no photos of the pool boy?
    Tisk.
    pve

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  91. In my city the Houston house would be called a "transitional spec house".

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  92. It is a dull, cool and overcast day here in the Great White North so I am back again to take a another stroll in the gardenS. Not to coin a phrase "they are certainly a breath of fresh air".

    Thanks Joni. :)

    -Brenda-

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  93. Joni,

    Two things first, the house is lovely and I am not a bitter or jealous blog stalker. But, maybe what the "big fish" anonymous poster is referring to in an earlier comment is Mr. Dillon's family in Kansas. The Dillon family owned a large grocery store chain in Kansas and Nebraska until it was bought out by Kroger's. Obviously, Reed Dillon is very talented, but he is no stranger to wealth. I would imagine this house was not built on his "green thumb" alone.

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  107. Wow!! i just now showed up to see some of the finishing that i had the honor to work along the side of the most creative and genius talents who created many of the finishes in this absolutely gorgeous house that is like no other in this part of the galaxy and space.. Stacey and Reed Dillon 100% reflect the beauty of this home.. It was way cool to meet them! 2 humans that practice mindfulness with mindful practice. Cheers to you and yours Stacey and Reed Dillon. And a Big Hug to Rusty "Ruby" Arena! Sincerely, Adam Joseph Dysarz. PS. This house is sound that it has been rated to withstand a F-4 tornado!! Fujita scale of measurements. and FYI! there is only 5 ratings for tornados. and the F-5 is the finger of god dragging the earth when He is daydreaming with his finger tips in the pool of "life". =^)

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