Sunday, August 22, 2010

Mosaic Monday



Mosaic Monday is hosted by the lovely Mary.

Each mosaic is different. Each a story to tell.

You'll enjoy visiting - I promise!



We went to a wedding to today at the River Oaks Garden Civics Building.
The gardens are beautiful.




Built in 1910 and owned by the River Oaks Garden Club since 1942, the Forum of Civics building is of recognized historical significance and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Its gardens provide valuable green space in the heart of the city and are open to the public free of charge.

Initially built for use as a county school, the building was remodeled in 1927 by John F. Staub as headquarters for the Forum of Civics founded by Will Hogg. Hogg, who chaired the Houston Planning Commission, organized the Forum of Civics to develop a comprehensive plan for Houston's public spaces and, in his words, "to stimulate civic pride and to combine forces for the betterment and beautification of Houston." One of the Forum's projects was the citywide planting of crepe myrtles, roses and shade trees, all of which were donated by Will Hogg.

The Hogg estate bequeathed the building to the University of Texas in 1939 with the stipulation that it continue to be used for educational purposes. When the River Oaks Garden Club purchased the Forum of Civics building, the UT Board of Regents stipulated that the Club "carry on the educational work directed primarily to stimulating knowledge and love of gardening, aiding in the protection of native plants and birds, and encouraging civic planting and planning."

In the ensuing years, the River Oaks Garden Club has carried out this charge. The Forum building has been home to horticultural workshops, flower shows, and in conjunction with the annual Azalea Trail, educational exhibits. The Club has also established model gardens on the Forum grounds for demonstration purposes. The first such garden, a Victory Garden, was planted during World War II to encourage Houstonians to grow their own vegetables. In 1955, three formal gardens designed by J. Allen Myers, Jr. and Herbert Skogland were installed. The club later installed two additional, more informal gardens: one of native Texas plants, and another of seasonal plantings.


(Information from River Oaks Garden Club)


Next week: The Wedding!!!!


Wishing you well and a wonderful week!



26 comments:

Pretty Things said...

Lovely mosaic! It took my mind off how HOT it is right now!

Betsy Banks Adams said...

What a beautiful post, Snap... I've ridden around some of the River Oaks area in Houston... Some fabulous homes in that area for sure.

I'll bet that was a beautiful wedding.. Thanks for the mosaic.
Hugs,
Betsy

GratefulPrayerThankfulHeart said...

Oh, what a pretty place! I love the arches! Looking forward to seeing the wedding :)

Carol said...

What a beautiful place for a wedding! Can just picture it from that first picture, too!

BailiwickStudio said...

What a lovely place for a wedding! ::Jill

Judith @ Lavender Cottage said...

Beautiful garden architechture at this place for a wedding.

Lenore said...

I clicked on you mosaic to enlarge it and love the well trimmed gardens and the lovely greenery...beautiful and peaceful setting for a wedding!

g.suzie said...

What a beautiful 'backdrop' for a wedding! I love outdoor weddings, especially if the weather cooperates!
Have a great week.

EG CameraGirl said...

Beautiful. What a lovely location for a wedding! Everything looks so lush!

xinex said...

What a beautiful spot for a wedding. I bet the wedding pictures look spectacular!...Christine

Bobbi Ann said...

Hi, very beautiful! Hope you have a wonderful new week!
Hugs...
Bobbi

Wildflowerhouse said...

Great mosaic. Your pictures show a peaceful place to be. I on the other hand spent the day chasing a herd of elk out of my garden. I give up!LOL

Rajesh said...

Wonderful mosaic of the garden.

Cezar and Léia said...

The mosaid is adorable and I love that sculpture, so beautiful!
I'm curious about the wedding!
purrs and love
Luna :) - WE LOVE LUNA

( and mommy Léia )

eileeninmd said...

What a beautiful place to visit and a gorgeous place for a wedding. Beautiful mosaic.

Rettabug said...

Outstanding photos of a truly magical place! I'm anxious to follow your link & learn more about it.
Great mosaic, too!

A Bit of the Blarney said...

What a delightful place to visit. And especially lovely for a wedding! Cathy

A Garden of Threads said...

A beautiful setting for a wedding. Love the picture with the arches. Enjoy the week.

Vee said...

It's wonderful when an altruist provides the foundation for a beautiful gift that will remain and grow far beyond his lifetime. What a treasure for Houston!

Anonymous said...

I love to visit places like that, just to take in the landscape and breathe. Bet the wedding was beautiful if it was held there. xo Corrine

Carol at Serendipity said...

Looking forward to seeing the wedding. What a gorgeous venue!

Carol

Ro said...

What a lovely garden. One day I hope we get to visit Texas. This formal garden looks like the perfect spot for a wedding. I can't wait to see the wedding pictures when you post them! :)

ellen b. said...

Looks like a beautiful spot for a wedding or a stroll. Looking forward to seeing the wedding photos!

Barb said...

Looks like a refreshing green space in the city. I bet it was a nice setting for the wedding. Was it hot?

PJ said...

I imagine any bride would feel special in a setting like that, especially with all of the history. Beautifully done.

Icy BC said...

Beautiful mosaic! It looks so serene..