Bob and Mary Carter: Yard of the Week

Bob and Mary Carter and their gentle black cat, Cat, near the hidden garden at their Payson home.

Bob and Mary Carter built their house upon a rock.  But however wise was the decision--and it was--it came with one big dilemma.  How does one cultivate plant life on such solid terrain?

This question has been answered over time, since they constructed their home on a rocky corner lot at 917 South 730 West, Payson, in the early 1970s, back when Payson’s population hovered around 3,7000.  Forty years later, the community has expanded, and the house has weathered the storms, while the yard has transformed from a solid stone plot to a lively green paradise.  For this, we honor Bob and Mary Carter and their family with the Yard of the Week award.

After the completion of their home in what was, four decades ago, a sparsely populated neighborhood, it took several years for the Carters to get things up and growing.  Load after load of soil was imported.  Next, they turned their attention to building a playhouse for their young children to play on while the landscaping labor continued.  Schwartz Lumber, which has long since closed, was located conveniently across the road from the home. This made accessing the the timber they would use to construct both the playhouse, the adjoining swingset foundation, and a fenced-in patio and flower garden spot to the west of it convenient.  All are still in good form.

The front and side portions of their yard slopes toward the streets running past, but this is little deterrent to their small crew of young grandchildren, siblings Kaylee, age 12, C.J., age 10, and Carson Vasquez, age 8, who take turns mowing the lawn for their grandparents.  With the helpful youngsters at the helm of the lawnmower, Bob and Mary are kept busy with their robust vegetable garden on the west side and flowers planted throughout.  Not to mention, the LDS service mission the couple currently serves, a commitment that has them overseeing a small crew who help maintain the splendor at the Salt Lake City Temple grounds two days a week.

Mary’s favorite hidden garden at home is situated on its east side, with its shady shrubs, trees, flowers, stone walkways and statues, and a corner garden spot on the outermost corner, plump with seasonal series of blooms is a joy to passersby.

What is most unique is experienced in the backyard. Lovely outdoor furniture and decor fill the “rooms,” an apropos term designated by the Carters’ niece, Laura Wright, cordoned in gathering places, with a soothing fountain in one, a firepit in another, and solar lights and stringed glass light bulbs hanging from beams and trees that set the place aglow at night, as if each evening were occasion for celebration.

It seems each day at the Carters is cause for celebration when one takes in the beauty they have created here.  Bob and Mary welcome those who wish to see that which is hidden from street view to contact them, and they will be happy to show it.  You won’t be disappointed if you do.