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CHS Community Post | Stewardship

062811-5Stewardship, this word was used by an acquaintance while we were talking about my home here on Capitol Hill. As I grow older plans and life changing events come into play which I had never considered just like the saying, “Life is what happens while we are busy making plans.” My home is recognized in the neighborhood for all of the transitions we have made but also for the stop dead in your tracks gardens. Anyone passing by is drawn to a slower pace to admirer and question what they are seeing. Further walking around the neighborhood reveals gardens that have borrowed inspiration from our gardens. It does make us proud of that influence.
Whenever I am working in the front gardens people stop to admire and ask what this or that plant may be, did I do this work and how much they have enjoyed passing by and watching the seasonal changes. When there is a genuine appreciation and my visitor has the time I always invite them to see the back gardens. Once I lead them through the side gate I make a point to position myself head just enough so I am able to see their expression change as they round the corner and take in the very private gardens with the Koi pond and waterfall. The tour lasts for several minutes up to an hour depending on the interest and the amount of pictures being taken. Pictures of my gardens are seen all across the country, as well as Canada, Ireland, France, Japan and Singapore. And those are just the ones I remember.
Stewardship, because my home needs a new steward as my Family needs me and I must leave my home and gardens. Capitol Hill is being changed at an alarming rate with beautiful homes being leveled and replaced by four to six townhomes in the same location. Don’t misunderstand me here, I understand the reasons and the need, it just pains me to know that developers are lusting for the land under my gardens and not seeing the unique opportunity and beauty. There is a real value and need for us to step up and treasure what we still have before it is just another vanished wish.
My house is a duplex. It is zoned L3 which means that someone could live upstairs and work out of their offices on the main floor. The potential is great and the rewards many. I am writing this in an attempt to save what I truly believe to be one of the last such properties left on the Hill.
072011-15062811-2

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