Text by Claire Pool
Even after 30 years of living just around the corner from this gorgeous home, Edith and David Lyon were unaware of the stunning panorama hidden away in its backyard. As recent empty nesters looking to move, the Lyons were impressed by the property’s intricate landscaping, which solidified their decision to relocate.
Having lived at the residence for more than two years, Edith has appreciated the garden in its full grandeur throughout the seasons. “We decided to watch over the garden for a whole year and left everything undisturbed to see what all blooms during certain parts of the year,” she explains. “It was so much fun to look outside and say, ‘Oh my word, I have lilacs’ or ‘I have gardenias’ or ‘I thought these were weeds, but they’re actually goldenrods.’” Taking notice of the plants during their first year in the home helped Edith better understand what care the garden needed from her.
Under the skillful hand of well-known landscape designer Mary Zahl, the garden became the outdoor oasis the Lyons always dreamed of. The previous homeowners were kind enough to leave behind the original design plans, allowing the couple to dive in and discover everything that Mary included in this bountiful sanctuary.
Now, Edith and David bask in all its glory. From watching for butterflies, bees, and bluebirds to glimpsing foxes and deer passing through, the Lyons have made the garden their favorite spot to enjoy. “I’m outside more, mainly because it’s so pretty,” Edith shares. “I’m just noticing a lot more.”
Manicured boxwoods and sprawling vines add lush greenery while snow-white hydrangeas, Shasta daisies, and coneflowers provide timeless elegance. When Edith joined her beloved garden club many years ago, she barely knew of any plants besides roses and gardenias. Now, her knowledge in general upkeep and identifying plants has helped with her own backyard project.
To make the most of her garden, Edith works hard to prevent pruning from becoming an overwhelming burden. “I will get out there in the morning, sometimes with my coffee and clippers, so [I] enjoy the maintenance instead of it being a huge task,” she says.
While the couple strives to keep the garden in its original beauty, Edith has made a few personal additions. Growing up in Jackson, Mississippi, Edith remembers that her mother always had a fondness for red lilies. When helping her parents move, Edith’s family dug up a few of the blooms to bring with them. Edith and her sisters each have a few lilies planted in their yards as a reminder of their childhood home. Outside the Lyons’ kitchen window is an herb garden that originally held a large bed of oregano, but Edith has added basil, thyme, and rosemary to use for her own delicious recipes. “This is a fun time of our lives,” she says. “We can really enjoy the yard and the garden.”
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