As you face 28 Ketchum Place, try to imagine our Victorian cottage painted beige, with maroon trim. Now add to your mental picture a front lawn completely covered with grass. With that image you should be able to see the cement foundation under the two front windows. In addition, to the right of the front entrance sidewalk, picture a tall row of bushes (identical to the one adjacent to the driveway). Finally, instead of the current driveway, visualize a sidewalk hugging the existing hedge, which leads to the back of the cottage.
What you have now visualized is an imagine of 28 Ketchum Place 25 years ago.
Given the limited parking on Ketchum Place, a driveway was installed within the first year. Initially, there were concerns that the slope of the driveway would present problems during the winter months; that has never been a problem. The genesis of our front garden began in earnest the second year, and was inspired by a neighbor living at 15 Ketchum. That summer , he transformed his front yard into an attractive flower box (if you gaze up the street, you can easily spot it). His varied and colorful collection of flowers not only enhanced his home, but we believe, added character to our street. With our dull front yard, and our home’s foundation an obvious eye sore, we took the plunge. The first step was building the flower box next to the sidewalk (please note, it is very similar to the one at 15 Ketchum).
Though our garden continues to change, one thing remains constant – the first item we created…….that small, rectangular flower box, remains a symbol of where our gardening journey began, and as a tribute to a fellow gardener and neighbor, who unknowingly inspired us!
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- 28 Ketchum
