I remember when my backyard was just the grass in the back of my house. I was busy figuring out how to create space inside my home, and I didn’t even have a vision for the backyard space yet.
Then I added a deck, and my backyard came to life. I bought a hanging pot or two, filled my deck with people, and so many sweet moments unfolded. I felt deeply grateful for my deck.
I was content for years with life on my deck. A few years ago, my nephew Henry and his dog Oso came to live with me for a season. Oso liked to play with Dutch and my sister’s family dog Bella, and soon my backyard looked like a muddy horse track. I realized it was time to do something to my backyard to repair it from all the fun the dogs had during the rainy wet season they shared in my backyard!
I consulted with Liz from Sumac Landscaping. She has become a dear friend and a trusted resource. Liz has vision and a way of listening and creating. We ventured into creating some space in my backyard. I had no idea how much my soul would connect with this space.
My deck is still a lovely gathering space. But now, my backyard has genuinely become my haven. Liz has created color that pops in Spring, Summer, and Fall. She has shown me how lovely designed spaces can be.
I know many people who have gifts in creating their own spaces. I marvel at that gift and am so grateful for how they make this world a more colorful place. I have learned to acknowledge where my talents lie (and where they do not lie) and surround myself with good people. If you need a hand in creating a lovely space to enjoy, I hope you will find someone like Liz. Not only is my backyard beautiful to look at and share with others, but it is also a peaceful space to unwind and decompress and an inspired space to create and dream in areas where my gifts can be used to make a difference in this world.
I am ever so grateful for the many people who have assisted me in the years it takes to make a house a home. There are many. But when I drive in and out of my driveway and marvel at the color and beauty, I say an extra prayer of thanksgiving for Liz!
