Jim and Donna Baldwin have turned their backyard into a mini oasis, complete with rock and cactus garden.
When Jim and Donna Baldwin moved into their house three and a half years ago from Chiliwack, their yard was nothing but dirt, rocks, and scrubby grass.
After countless hours of planning, plotting, and hard work, their property is truly a wonderful sight to behold. A mosaic of different features, personal touches and all types of growth, the couple has definitely earned the pleasure of sitting back and admiring the beautiful space they created.
The front yard features a rock garden that they designed and landscaped themselves, with beautiful concrete moldings of rhubarb leaves that Donna made herself. To the side of the house they have set up several bird feeders, and watching the hummingbirds from the kitchen window is something the Baldwins frequently enjoy.
Past the fence, you enter what feels like an oasis, apart from the surrounding world. Despite being surrounded by neighbors, the Baldwins’ backyard feels very secluded.
Here, they have several different spots to sit and relax, and a multitude of eye catching and creative takes on landscaping and gardening.
The day to day care of the yard is primarily Jim’s hobby, although it is really almost a full time job. It is most certainly a labor of love for him however, and avid gardener for as long as he can remember.
“If there is something original in my backyard,” Jim says, “it’s what I did to combat the finches, sparrows and chickadees. My neighbors have 35 foot hedges, along the back yard, and it’s a nest for the chickadees, the finches, the sparrows, and they come swarming down into my veggies and they demolish them. Their favorite is peas, they will actually stop them from growing, chewing off the sweet, succulent little ends…they nip all around your Swiss chard, and beet tops, those three things are their favorite.”
What Jim did was construct what they affectionately call ‘the birdcage’ although this one keeps the birds out, not it. Made with rebar, PVC pipe and netting, the collapsible structure allows all of the elements in, and keeps the hungry birds away from the veggies.
Another interesting component of the Baldwins’ backyard is their cactus garden, which is flourishing and just about to bloom. They have created a humorous scene, displaying a fishing character and an alligator, both looking for a catch in the dry creek bed.
Those who have them know that creating and maintaining a beautiful yard and garden is a lot of work, but it is also meditative, stress relieving and fun. It takes time and dedication, but in the end, the payoff is immeasurable. Just ask the Baldwins.
Tiffany Beckedorf
Special to the Chronicle
