Cristie Peterson's Charming Cottage Garden is Yard of the Week

Charm and creativity abound at the home of Cristie Peterson, who we now honor for Yard of the Week.  Art and handiwork blend in beautifully with assorted perennial plants and flowers growing there.  Built by James William Huish in 1863, the home itself carries the distinction of being among the oldest still standing in Payson.  It is located in northeast Payson. Take a look, but be prepared to look twice, as there is a surprise around every corner. 

Written by Cristie Peterson

Our family moved back to Payson in 1985. Bob and I had loved this old house every time we drove past it. When it came up for sale, we had to have it.

The house was built by James William Huish in 1863 and had been occupied by his descendents until 1985. The realtors had advised the family that they could get more money if they tore down the house and sold it as two building lots. Thank goodness they wanted to keep the family home standing.

With large trees, more weeds than grass, and violets, this old house was a dream in the making. I always wanted an old-fashioned cottage-garden look. With so many trees, there were many areas that never saw the sun. It was impossible to get annuals to grow, so I started reading up on perennials. I planted tons of them, but only the strongest plants survived.

Ours is not your average manicured yard. In fact, it can get a little wild and overgrown, but we love it. There is always something in bloom and it requires minimal care until about mid-summer, when many plants need to be trimmed back.

I love my yard. It's like my own secret garden, with trees and plants popping up that I didn't plant, wild roses, and a grapevine arbor covered in grapes that my grand kids love. My son, Nick, built the pergola over the deck with salvaged porch posts to frame it up. I love the old buckets, birdhouses, washtubs, and windows, which add interest to the yard, with a little something unexpected wherever you look.