Yesterday you met a neighbor and friend of mine. Mike is one of the founding fathers of our neighborhood and one of the friendliest fellows you could ever meet. He’s sort of a Renaissance man of sorts, and one of the things he’s most known for is his green thumb. Heck, what am I talking about, his whole hand is green! I passed thru his yard yesterday and was overwhelmed with the beauty so I went home to get my camera. I came back and documented one of the loveliest places you could ever be on the first day of May in Alabama.
I usually approach his back yard from the alley. Yes, this is the BACK of his yard.
Now before I go on, let me suggest that you wait to read this post when you can either get home to your laptop or desktop computer. I took a TON of pictures and you should see them on a full screen. If you are among the over fifty crowd (present!) , you may even want to don your reading glasses so you won’t miss a leaf, petal or thorn of this unbelievable garden. OK, now that you’re totally ignoring me, and continuing to view this on your smart phone, I’ll continue. 🙂
Approaching the first of five arbors on the side of his house.
Yes, this is real.
Keep walking thru arbor # 2.
Look left and this is the back porch.
Look even “lefter” and this is the front of the garage.
A closer view of the back porch.
Get back on the path. Take a seat here if you’re breathless and your retinas are burning.
Arbor # 3.
The fallen rose petals add to the magic.
Arbor # 4.
JUST…
INCREDIBLE!
At this point, you might be wondering how he does it. Some may whisper that he’s made a deal with the Devil, but this is highly unlikely given that Mike is a Minister, a pillar of our community, and all-around good guy. He and his wife Sue just work REALLY HARD!
This is an exact replica of his little white church in the country. It’s pretty close to life size too.
This is the last arbor (# 5) that opens to the front of his house and the Avenue of the Waters.
Front of arbor # 5.
On the sidewalk crossing the front of his adorable little cottage.
Mike and his sidekick Cuppie. Too bad Sue wasn’t home for the picture. Mike’s better half is a babe. 🙂
About to walk down the other side of the house when I spot his Neighbor on the porch.
This is Philip. He’s our neighborhood trouble maker. Watch out for this guy!
And these guys too!
Heading down the right side of the house now.
Mike has commandeered one side of Philip’s house for his roses. I’m pretty sure Philip isn’t too upset about it.
Thru the last arbor and into the back yard again.
Turn around for one last look and you’re done!
Now I would NEVER suggest that you should tromp thru Mike & Sue’s yard without permission, (I do it all the time) and I certainly would never divulge his address, (Ask anyone, everybody knows Mike) but I do hope that if you should happen to see them in their yard sometime, that you stop and ask if it’s OK to take a stroll thru the paradise that is their garden. You might get an impromptu horticulture lesson or at the very least, you’ll meet some really cool people who just happen to be my neighbors.
Ain’t I lucky?
Happy Spring!
KittyBunnyChicken 
OK, this was so interesting! I cannot imagine how he keeps all this up – it’s just gorgeous! I dare you to go back and count all the blooms. God’s going to have him tending the flower beds in heaven. And how did you get the cute little dogs to stay still in a perfect line for the picture? I say Mike’s got my vote for most beautiful yard.