Oscar Smith

Sam and Stacy Gates
1401 Kay Avenue

A first impression of the Gates yard is of one that is immaculately maintained, with an attractive lawn, precise edging and pruning, and a nice selection of shrubs and flowers, providing outstanding curb appeal on both sides of a corner lot. More impressive was to learn that this is all managed manually, with no fertilizers or herbicides. Colorful, pollinator-friendly flower choices thrive on rainfall and need little additional watering. While the front and side yards are appealing, the charming backyard is where the Gates spend most of their time and energy to feed their desire for sustainable living. Birdfeeders and flowers attract a variety of songbirds, butterflies, and bees. They have chickens, rabbits, and ducks, all living well in beautifully self-built coops and runs. Annually planted moon flower and morning glory shade the chicken and rabbit coop and give the yard a farm cottage charm. Animal manure is composted and used in the nearby, nicely enclosed vegetable garden. All waste from the animals is used as organic fertilizer for their productive vegetable garden. Neighbors benefit from shared eggs, produce and the jams made from their prolific blueberry and blackberry bushes. The Gates yard is truly notable, beautifully maintained and follows environmentally-appropriate practices.