We welcome the month of May in the neighborhood and wait in anticipation for lush green grass, flowers in bloom, and gardens that will pop. As a tease to the upcoming summer months, we take a look back at last August and this beautiful outdoor space on Sedona Circle. The home of Jim and Kathy Poels boasts an outdoor area that is both warm and inviting. They share their inspiration for creating their one-of-a-kind oasis.

The Poels family have lived in Thornberry Creek for ten years. “What we liked about our lot was the openness of it. The location at the tee box of hole thirteen, with a wide rough area, gave the illusion of living out in the country, without being far from the city.” They even go so far as to say, “The combination of our yard, the rough, and the golf course make it feel like a special space under a big sky.”

Jim and Kathy had a vision for their backyard and landscaping when they first built their house. “We planned our backyard to be a flourishing environment for perennial and annual flowers, butterflies, bees, and birds.” Jim enjoys feeding hummingbirds and orioles in the summer and songbirds year-round.  Kathy enjoys working in the flower garden and using fresh flowers for beautiful indoor arrangements. 

Special features of their yard include a colorful 60-foot flower bed, an elevated patio, and an unobstructed view. While the flower bed was planted to attract birds, butterflies, and bees, it is also a constant conversation starter with golfers who are passing by hole thirteen.

The elevated patio has seating for dining, entertaining, or just relaxing with a book. Jim and Kathy also enjoy “Happy Hour” by the fire table. The patio is surrounded by three tiers of flowering bushes, ornamental grasses, and green shrubs. Four years ago, they added a pergola which is lit by warm string lights, creating a special ambiance for spending evenings outdoors with friends and family.

Their view lends itself to quiet, peaceful mornings and evening drinks in the open, natural space. They enjoy an extended backdrop with a variety of lush greens, their own lawn (where their border collie, Lollie, enjoys playing Frisbee), the manicured golf course, the course’s rough grass with wildflowers, and the rustic forest across the highway.

The Poels assure us, “We truly appreciate and enjoy our special space under a big sky!” At this point, we are all ready for lush green grass, flowers in bloom, and gardens that will pop. Bring it on!