THE PERCH
By Shelia Wood
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This “ yard ” has transitioned from a play place into a garden , an oasis where there are postcard views , sunlight dappled seating areas , music , laughter , and the sounds of water trickling in various features .
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I am a lover of all things growing . Digging in the dirt is one of my most peaceful indulgences . I was recently asked how I came to have such a “ Southern Living ” backyard .
Well , aside from accepting the compliment , I had never thought of my yard as being anything extraordinary to anyone but my family and myself . It is certainly nothing short of a labor of love , a compilation of memories and plants , each one nurtured over time . Gardeners reading this will know what I mean . It is my place of solace . My place of cathartic work that produces a feeling of both accomplishment and tranquility . Amidst the sore muscles , broken fingernails , tired back and shoulders , lies a feeling of pure joy as the seasons of my yard transition one to the next . Whether in full spring awakening , to the slight weariness of summer after blossoms are spent and the heat has taken its toll , into the beautiful coat of autumn color , and the sleepiness of winter , each season offers a plethora of beauty . And memories .
I raised my children in this yard . We brought them home from the hospital to the only place they would call home until they were grown and moved out . The yard has transitioned right along with them over the years . It didn ’ t always look as it does now . In the beginning , the woods around our home were dense , but almost three decades of growth have left us living in a shaded canopy eight months out of the year . Where there is now a large wooden swing and growing Carolina jasmine atop the supports for it , once resided my children ’ s toddler swings . Then , their tire swings , trapeze bars , etc . Where there is now a wonderful bed of dogwood and azaleas under the canopy of green foliage was once a large sandbox .
This “ yard ” has transitioned from a play place into a garden , an oasis where there are postcard views , sunlight dappled seating areas , music , laughter and the sounds of water trickling in various features . Each “ nook ,” as I call the various niches and tucked away spots of solitude , has a purpose as part of the whole but could be a standalone area unto itself in a smaller setting . If any nook were the only one , it would be okay with me . But combined , they produce a magical place for our family and friends to relax and enjoy one another . I am thankful I do not have to choose just one spot .
At the base of oak trees nearly 100 feet tall in some places , every corner holds a memory . That may be the most beautiful thing about my garden . Among the oaks , pines , hostas , hydrangea , magnolias , color beds and roses , azaleas , birdbaths , fountains and feeders , lingers memory after wonderful memory . First steps , birthday parties , mud pies , chasing lightning bugs on warm summer evenings . Fireworks shows , bonfires , camp outs that lasted only until dark and fear set in . Prom pictures , graduation pictures , Easter egg hunts , Christmas morning surprises Santa couldn ’ t get into the house . Snowfalls , thunderstorms , new puppies , leaf piles . It ’ s so much to be thankful for my heart can hardly hold it all .
A new favorite place has recently emerged . Most old things can be repurposed with a little imagination and love . What was once a tree fort we built for the kids has now become a private “ perch ” all my own . My husband had mentioned tearing it down and using the space for something else . The thought of it made my heart hurt just a bit . I climbed up there recently one Saturday afternoon after I ’ d finished cutting grass . I love to cut grass - instant gratification ! I wandered up , cold one in hand , and plopped down just as I had years ago . This time , instead of admiring the creativity of our children as I had done in past visits to the tree fort , I admired the view ! Wow ! What a waste of space , I thought . “ No ,” I said to myself , “ We will not be tearing this down .” Within one week , I had repurposed that space . Once pressure washed cleaner than it had been in probably 15 years , it was time to decorate . A couple of chairs , a table , rug , décor , solar lights ,
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LIFE AT LIFE VOL 8 . Issue 3 5