Collectors

When their yard space was cut in half, this fun-loving couple let their creativity soar

We have a small, fenced lot in Regina. It was formerly a full-sized property with one house, but that was demolished and two townhouses were built on the site in 2017, thereby halving the amount of usable yard.

To make the most of the space available, my husband and I got a bit creative and scoured the Internet for vintage clawfoot tubs to use as planters. As it turns out, they are excellent for growing and add lots of character to the yard in a small amount of space.

We then also transformed a completely useless area on the western side of the house by building a small greenhouse there. We’ve named this small section of the garden “The Shire” in honour of The Lord of the Rings movies; in fact, I was at high school with the film’s director, Sir Peter Jackson, in New Zealand. My husband and I and our children moved from there to Canada in 2002.

We love colour and movement in our garden, and so have a collection of whimsy in the yard, including a 120-foot streamer of coloured flags, and several large, kinetic wind spinners. Fairy

The Hodges’ whimsical yard is loved by all, even the pooch!

lights adorn the entire fence line and run all through the yard, to the delight of our neighbours. Actually, we are frequently complimented on the garden.

Saskatchewan is famous for her brutal and unforgiving winters, but less well known for her fabulous summers. The growing season here is short, but intense, and gardening is a favourite pastime for many Saskatchewan folk. We certainly enjoy ours as long as we can every year!