BY GINNY GEIGER AND BARBARA ANDERSON
Garden Club of the Lakes
What catches our eyes when we are riding around looking for our next Yard of the Month? Sometimes, it is the uniqueness of the landscape, the variety of plants, the beauty of the flowers, or a special theme. Sometimes, it is just one unique feature that draws us to a yard. We then, without fail, find the entire yard and the people responsible for it all most interesting.
The May Yard of the Month is one of the latter. As we drove by 500 Grove Street in Melrose, our eyes landed on a very short, neat white fence in front of just a small part of the front yard. In front of the little fence was a fun and eye-catching variety of plants. As we were “snooping” around the 1.4-acre lot, driving on the road right behind the house and the two side roads, there was this man curiously watching us.
Barbara, not being the bold type, let Ginny get out of the car and explain to him what we were doing. Steve Rogers seemed relieved that we were not stalkers and quickly agreed that he and Cindi, his wife, would be most pleased and honored to be Yard of the Month.
As we walked around, more things about this yard caught our eyes. The yellow doors have nothing to do with the yard, but who can miss seeing five yellow doors? Then there were the mermaids on the “Mermaid Cottage” used as an Airbnb.
When they moved to Melrose six years ago, the house needed some work – so work they did. Having lived in South Florida and loving it, they decided to go tropical on their theme. (Can’t go too wrong with mermaids.) All mixed in together with other plants, their South Florida influence is obvious. There are Crotons, Hibiscus, Date Palms, Sunshine Ligustrum, Loropetalum, Bougainvillea, and numerous fruit trees: Meyer lemon, tangerine, pomelo, olive, and banana. Some were there when they moved in and some they planted.
The most fascinating part of this yard was the wall covered with some thick vine that grew from the ground all the way up one entire side of the house. Cindi was not sure of the name of it, but a vine-covered wall was something she had wanted for a long time. With the help of Ginny’s trusty plant-identifying app, we found out the name! It is called Creeping Fig. Cindi was so glad to know its name.
Steve and Cindi said that they truly love Melrose, and especially their neighbors. “Everyone is so very friendly and helpful here.”
Now, here’s the kicker. They have sold their house to a young veteran couple with two young children, and the closing is in the middle of May. How many times do you think someone who has just bought a house drives up to unpack and sees a Yard-of-the-Month sign in their yard? That is just too fun. But we think they may feel some real pressure!
Steve and Cindi are torn by their move. They love their home and Melrose, but Cindi’s father lives in South Florida, where they lived, and he needs care.
Steve said he would not miss the work it takes to keep up such a yard and the pine roots that make mowing a bumpy ride, but he will really miss the feeling of living in a “forest.” He looked so peaceful when he said that.
Now Cindi loves her Creeping Fig wall. Hence, it makes perfect sense that their back patio is her favorite place – where her wall is. Anyone who saw it would understand her love.
There are several neat spaces around their yard. The firepit looks well used. They probably have many fun memories around the fire, as well as all through their home and yard.
So, they are leaving their lovely home and yard they love, to go to take care of someone they love. We wish them the best. And to the new owners, we look forward to coming by in a couple of years and seeing what you have done to this Yard of The Month. No pressure!
As a side note, remember we said we found the people responsible for the lovely yards to be as fascinating as their yards? The Rogers proved to be no different. When we asked what each did before retiring, Cindi said (Steve had to go back out to work in the yard) that Steve was a worship leader and then very casually mentioned that Steve is the son of Adrian Rogers. Several of you will know that name. Pastor Rogers was a well-known Southern Baptist pastor and author whom Ginny enjoys listening to. She lit up like she had seen a celebrity.
If you want to learn more about the Garden Club of the Lakes or nominate yourself or anyone in the community for Yard of The Month, please call Pat Lorenzo at (904)728-9460.
Even though the Garden Club will not meet again until September, and there will be no Yards of the Month until then, please consider joining this awesome group and still find some Yards of the Month for us. That really helps! Bye for now.
