Below is one of the St. James Court water fountains, ordered from England in the late 1800s.
Today I just wanted to introduce you to the area and then,starting tomorrow with Friday Fences, I'll show you around several of the gardens. As my blog friend Janis likes to say at Life According to Jan and Jer, I'm stoked because I got so many great photos to share. Just have to discipline myself to not "over estimate" your interest in Louisville gardens and architecture.
Another reason to brave the heat was a new photo challenge I'm setting for myself that I'm calling "Getting off the Green Square" or auto (this title also came from Janis who is an excellent photographer). My goal is to learn to use all the features on my Canon SX130 before springing for a more complicated camera. For these photos I experimented with the "adjusting the white balance" setting on glaring sunny day. Very pleased with most of shots--able to use with only minor photoshopping--mostly crops. Usually, my photos taken at the time of the day tend to be weak and washed out.
So, just to set you up for the garden tours, here are some fine examples of the architecture--Victorian, Italianate, Beaux Arts, Craftsman, Queen Anne. Regretfully, your guess is as good as mine about identifying what's what. I'm going to take their architecture tour later in the year. But for now, just notice the wonderful doors, gates, windows, towers, ironwork, and roof lines--all set on beautifully landscaped lots.
These houses are on St. James Court:
And finally, here are a couple of favorites on Belgravia Court where most of the gardens are located:
So, if this preliminary "walk" through the neighborhood has piqued your interest in the gardens, come back tomorrow for Friday Fences and I'll show you one--much more fun than dragging the water hose around trying to keep your own plants alive!
such grandeur! and i had no idea that the fleur de lis was a symbol of louisville. :)
ReplyDeleteOops! Make that triple digit temperatures--NOT double. Want you all to know I'm willing to suffer for art's sake! :-)
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely gorgeous..... Love seeing those old beautiful homes --and their gardens... WOW--would love to be there in person... Thanks!!!! (Can't wait to see more!)
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Betsy
P.S. How is the puppy doing?
Faye....you can be proud of these shots....they are great. The lighting is good n your composition is wonderful!! Thanks for your kind words...they mean so much! I think the photo bug has bitten you going out in triple digits!! LOL
ReplyDeleteBTW.I passed your skunk remedy to Kelly...thanks so much
Th architecture of those buildings is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThose houses are gorgeous!!!
ReplyDeleteI love these grand homes! Their gardens must be amazing! Thanks for sharing and I look forward to tomorrow's tour!
ReplyDeleteWOw. I'm impressed. So many different types of architecture! I love the scroll work in the wrought iron fences too. Your photo taking skills are really showing in these shots.
ReplyDeletep.s. thanks so much for your advice on Coop. He is such a dog! I actually went to Petco today and they sold me a solution specifically made for skunked dogs. I applied it to him tonight and well let's just say, so far so good. He is happy to be able to sleep back in the a/c!
Gorgeous garden and some awesome architecture on those homes! You did a great job getting off the green square, Faye! Nice shots! (I knew it was triple digits. Right there with ya!)
ReplyDeletethanks for the tour! i love that fleur de lis shot! i collect them, i guess it's my french ancestry that makes me :D
ReplyDeleteI would have braved the heat for that tour. Absolutely gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteLove those old homes, are any available to tour? Louisville would be a great weekend getaway for us. I've been past several times, but never stopped. One of these days.
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