This past week, I took a trip to the Magnolia Silos in Waco, Texas. I was super excited to have the opportunity to return to Chip and Joanna Gaine’s Magnolia Market at the Silos again this year. The Silos are definitely an experience. I had my daughter in tow and that made it even more special to experience it together. Of course, it is February and the temperatures were in the 70s. It was definitely a much needed change of scenery from the 20-30 degree temps on Cape Cod. Being over 1600 miles away from home and touring the gardens, made me grateful and excited for spring. I was not surprised being in growing zone 8, that they are ahead of us. This garden is where I spent the most time–sitting, resting, people watching and plant watching too. I loved to see that Joanna and I tend to do many of the same things in the garden. Today I’m thrilled to take you along on a Magnolia Market Garden Tour.
The first thing that welcomes you to the garden is Chip’s truck. Painted in this popping green it is sure to get your attention and beckon you to explore. I was definitely here for the sunshine!
Joanna’s garden style is a combination of cottage and country with a farmhouse twist. I chose to start my Magnolia Market garden tour from the porch on one of the sheds. There are actually two garden sheds toward the back of the property as well as a small greenhouse. The shed where I was standing is actually a store with different merchandise from the main marketplace, so don’t forget to pop in there too. The gardens are filled with raised beds. Currently they are filled with plantings that can tolerate cooler temperatures in the day and evening. You can see that there are row covers rolled up over the beds to protect the plants from frosty evenings. During the day they are rolled up and out of the way. Edibles are planted in the raised beds and along the pathways, tulips are just beginning to emerge. There are also some cold hardy herbs such as rosemary that you can see in the foreground.
Lettuces, kales and swiss chard and cabbages are abundant in the raised beds. Chalkboard markers share the plantings with visitors. These crops grow perfectly during this time of year but will have trouble as the temperatures warm. The lettuces can be harvested a few leaves at a time and I would imagine might end up even in some of the meals at Chip and Joanna’s soon to open restaurant the Magnolia Table.
If you know me you know that I LOVE airplants and to see this ginormous trough of spectacular air plants (in this case Tillandsia Xerographica) on the porch had me with love eyes. You know that heart-eyed emoji face? That was me!
Stand alone whiskey barrels, and olive harvesting vessels are all planted with spring tulips and fresh herbs. Here you can see oregano and mint used for trellising fillers. These lovelies will probably be ready in a couple of weeks filled with blooms.
As we were waiting in line for the bakery, we filled out our selections and I enjoyed admiring the window boxes. Filled with pansies, Dusty Miller, and edible mixed greens, they made me feel like it was spring and also made me even more excited to get into my own boxes at home.
Like our home gardens, the gardens at Magnolia are continually changing, blooming and replanted to celebrate the seasons of the year. Spring is time for new awakenings and the promise of warmer days ahead. Soon enough this garden will be dancing with butterflies, honeybees and other pollinator friends. Have you toured and shared your own Magnolia Market Garden Tour? If so, share a link in the comments. I’d love to see the garden during different times of the year.
