Finally! I never dreamed I would find such joy in a simple fence, an arbor and some gates. After 8 years in our home and frustration with an oddly shaped back yard (long, not deep), we are in the home stretch on our garden project.
As you can see through my new arbor, it appears to be the front of the house. But, it’s not. Well, not really. We’re on a corner, so we actually have 2 front yards, according to the city records. What it does mean is that the foot and car traffic along the “side” of our house is as busy as a typical front yard. That left me feeling too exposed. I craved some sense of privacy.
Sometimes what can be seen as a problem or obstacle is just an opportunity to do something unique. We had an existing footpath into the back yard from our earlier landscape design. Instead of ripping everything out, we kept it and put in a little “folly” gate. It works, but it’s not something you or I would go through. But, perfect for children. Almost like their secret entrance.
From this view, the secret gate is in the corner, under the hydrangea tree.
Here is the view from our side yard.
And, here is the view from my favorite chair, seen above.
There are a couple more finishing touches that we hope to get to, but overall, I’m really happy with how it’s coming along. At last, I feel like I have a little backyard oasis…my secret garden.
Do you have a secret place?
