Backyard Blooms
Backyard Blooms, Passion and flowers blossom in a colorful landscape
Photos by Thom Sivo
BY Ally Reuther
Well, not Barbara Wilson. You might find her catching a peaceful moment with her favorite cup of joe, but more likely than not she’ll be up and moving before you know it, gliding from one plant to another as she prunes, deadheads and adjusts her beloved flowers in the morning dew. “I work normally, at least, a 12-hour day at my job,” says Barbara. “So I go out in the morning and try to get a little bit done before I go to work.”
Barbara and Bill Wilson moved to their Medina property a good 20 years ago and began their landscaping journey right away. Tall pine trees—some of the only plants in the back yard that were installed by professionals—arch toward the sky, giving this corner lot the illusion of seclusion. “I wanted to create a very private resort feel,” says Barbara as she describes the wide variety of plants seen throughout the one-acre yard. And quite a variety it is: shrubs bubbling over the low stone walls, flowers trailing past the rims of hanging baskets, potted plants placed wherever there’s room—this back yard is devoted to all things green. True gardening enthusiasts, Barbara and Bill re-plant and maintain their back yard on their own every year. “It takes two and a half to three weeks to get everything started,” says Barbara. “At least 100 hours to get things where I want it to be.”
Work and play
It might seem as if the maintenance is the only thing this couple does with their back yard, but Barbara easily assures that it sees plenty of fun as well. A shimmering 20x40-foot swimming pool anchors the whole area and is easily accessible from any of the various seating areas. The saltwater pool sees almost daily use in the warmer weather as Bill takes a dip after work, and a little more rambunctious use when their four grandsons come to visit. It was these visits—and their affinity for outdoor entertaining—that led them to craft a pool bath. A quaint space complete with bathroom and changing areas, it’s a remedy to keeping wet feet and bathing suits from dripping on the floors indoors.
The rectangular umbrella-shaded table gets its fair share of usage as outdoor meals are a regular occurrence in this home. “We eat outside every night that it’s feasible,” says Barbara. “Even if we have to put coats on in the fall.” Clearly not averse to the chillier weather, this couple had the foresight to install a heater and fire pit in their pavilion, allowing them to enjoy reclining on the cushioned furniture while sipping a glass of wine far into the colder months. It is from this cozy spot that Barbara most enjoys taking in the view of her yard, constantly running through new arrangements and ideas, because as she says happily, “everything’s always a possibility.”
sources:
Houstrends Greater Cleveland, June 2018
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