LIFE'S BETTER IN THE MOUNTAINS

Monday, February 25, 2013

Different Back Yards


For many years we lived in the typical suburban setting; two-story Cape Cod in the right school district and with large and grassy yards front, sides, and back.  On a quiet cul-de-sac with miles of boulevard roads for bike riding.  A community winter skating rink with warming house and a community pool.

It was just the right place for our two children.  The large backyard had plenty of room for volleyball, croquet, badminton and other games.  The grass was great for the dogs to romp and play.  There were flower gardens front and back for my husband to tend.  There was a deck and a patio for outdoor sitting and entertaining.  And a screened porch for rainy days.


Part of our suburban backyard.  We had just lost a huge crabapple tree and replaced it with a Serviceberry.



Now the woods make up our backyard.  We have no grass at all.  Not one blade to mow.  We have lots of leaves, but we don't have to pick them up...we just let them fall.  We have a screen porch for rainy days and a large deck for sunny ones.



Ellie climbing the rock steps on a misty day.
Yes, we have chairs and benches in the woods.




We have our own little creek




Some of our trees have faces
made by a local potter




We often look out to see Pileated Woodpeckers




And the occasional white squirrel for which Transylvania County is well known



How do you transition from an idealistic suburban setting to the hilly woods?  Easily, dear reader.  Easily.  The suburban setting was perfect when our children were growing up.  And now, in our retirement, the woods are perfect for us.

And I have loved both.


13 comments:

The Bug said...

Oh I am so envious of your back yard! I would love to live in such close proximity to the woods. We're doing the "small town" yard thing & enjoying it after many years of apartment living, but still...

Appalachian Lady said...

That's our backyard too although we have a little grass/weeds to mow because we cleared out the trees too close to the house. My dog loves to run in the woods too but sometimes she digs too much. Love your post.

Anonymous said...

Both backyards are beautiful. The suburban one looks like a wonderful place for children. The woods are perfect for the quiet times of life.

NanaNor's said...

Hi there, Got to say I loved your suburban yard but equally love your woods. We have a big yard and it is getting too much for hubby to mow the lawn. I've finally given in and told him we can have a small yard only if he makes is pretty. Only having one small dog makes that doable too. Thanks for sharing; if hubby could choose we'd live at the ocean.
Hugs, Noreen

Wayfarin' Stranger said...

We, too, had the Cape Cod with the yards, but we also had a small greenbelt woods behind the house which was perfect habitat for small boys; houses completely ringed the woods so they couldn't get lost. Now we, too, live in the woods with a veranda in front and a screened porch in back. We have a fire break around the house, but that is all. And as we enter the woods behind us, a trail leads into the National Park.

troutbirder said...

Mmmm. Our situation is somewhat similar but not exactly. We bought a house in a huge wooded area with only a few neighbors nearby, none in sight, on a gravel road. I then proceded to conver my 3 acre property into partial suburbia. Lawns and flower garden. Two was left for play and "campouts." Over time the big woods was subdivided to lots and suburbia. The we sold our house, built and new one in our woods remnant and now I'm getting rid of any signs, of lawn, not raking leaves, and promoting wildflowers. I may have done thinga backwards....:)

Rudee said...

Your current back yard speaks to me. It's lovely.

Janet, The Queen of Seaford said...

We are in the woods more with this house than any other we lived in. Love having nature all around us.

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Love your setting --and of course, we love the Brevard area PERIOD...

Hope you are having a good winter. Ours has been fairly mild again this year.

How are the Golden Girls? Just stopping by to catch up a little.

Hugs,
Betsy

Busy Bee Suz said...

You had paradise for a growing family....and now paradise for the four of you. :)
I am looking forward to not having so much yard to take care of one day. I'm thinking that might make up for my lack of good eyesight and knees??
Enjoy!!!

Folkways Note Book said...

"To everything there is a season." I felt these words as I read your post. You are now in a different season than when your children were home but as you say in your post you loved and now again love your seasons. -- good post -- barbara

Folkways Note Book said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
KB said...

I grew up in suburbia, with a yard much like your old one. But, as soon as we could, the Runner and I escaped to the woods, where our surroundings are much like yours are now. Perfect...