When I acquired it in late 2014 I named the house and garden “Overleaf,” as a tongue-in-cheek play on words, a reference to the overgrown landscape and drifts of fallen leaves that appeared to almost “over leaf” and bury the house. Of course, “overleaf” is a word with an actual publishing or literary meaning. Online dictionaries define it as “the other side of the page or sheet, (as of a book) or, the next page.” I think it’s appropriate, as this house and garden represent a new page, a new chapter maybe even a “Book 2” in my life. With them I’m turning over a new leaf and with “The Overleaf Chronicles”, I’m starting something new.
“The Overleaf Chronicles,” is a blog about gardening. It’s also a blog about maintaining and improving a fifty year old suburban home. It’s a record of my experiences with the house and garden, and a plan for moving forward. I hope it’s a humble source of information and encouragement to people gardening in south east Texas or similar hot weather/high humidity climates. I’ll post recipes, a bit of history, and some memories of life in a small but growing east Texas town. I’ll introduce some beautiful, some interesting, and some intriguing works by artists, photographers, craftspeople, and architects, both historical and contemporary. …And, I’ll even give you a little glimpse inside my life, mind, and imagination. My first few posts will be an introduction to Overleaf Gardens, Overleaf House, my history with the property, and to my overall philosophy and approach to gardening and life. Then I’ll get down to the business of gardening and living in east Texas.
Welcome!