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We live on a � acre block, with a large garden and lots of trees and shrubs.

Due to the layout and shape of the block, most of the garden is at the back of the block.

The placement of the house is a reflection of past city father's planning.

Possibly, early British settlers, believed that traditionally, the home should be located close to the front fence, (approximately 30 feet from the front fence line). Perhaps another reason may have been to provide sufficient room for a stable for the horse and sulky or a cow bail so they could milk the house cow.

In those days, most families also kept poultry, had an orchard and a vegetable garden, so obviously wanted extra room at the back of the home.

Anita and I like collecting plants and shrubs that are different, old fashioned, or are scented. In addition, we want them to be attractive to the birds, butterflies and other creatures.

Located in one corner of the backyard, I have built a fishpond, including a bridge and waterfall.

The pond has water lilies and other aquatic plants. It is stocked with large, red, black and gold goldfish, swimming quite happily there.

The pond and waterfall fronts a very sheltered part of the garden, we call the fern walk. It is also our entertainment area where we regularly entertain and have family gatherings. Here, we have installed a BBQ.

In the opposite corner is a cubby house for the grandchildren and at the back of that is a small poultry run and another small shed where I keep materials for making different projects.

The poultry run also provides manure for the garden as well as eggs.

Egg production is lessening as the fowls get older. Anita won�t part with them or eat them, so I guess they will die of old age, ( retired chickens:) )

Next to the fern walk I have my workshop. The back wall forms one side of the fern walk and is where our BBQ and cooking benches are set up.

The fourth corner has a small shed for the garden tools and the sorts of stuff most of us accumulate over the years, but are reluctant to throw away.

The following photographs show views of the BBQ/fern walk, pond and waterfall areas.

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FISHPOND AND WATERFALL

My Waterfall

The ferns adjoining the pond

The bridge crossing the pond to the BBQ area.

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Worldwide Copyright John W. 1998,2001