Bob and Di-Ann Mandy have called Mill Creek home for quite some time. They first moved into Vine Maple in 1998 and, after several happy years, transitioned to their current home in 2004. From the beginning, they were drawn to Mill Creek for its beautiful homes, strong sense of community, and excellent schools—a perfect environment to raise a family and stay connected with neighbors. Today, the Mandy's still cherish those qualities and more. “Mill Creek is a vibrant, welcoming place with a great ambience, safe neighborhoods, and plenty of spots to shop, dine, and relax,” they share. Above all, they love the family-friendly feel. “It really feels like home,” says Di-Ann.

Their yard is one of their favorite parts of living here. To them, it’s more than just a collection of plants—it’s a retreat. “It’s where we can step away from the busy world and just relax,” Bob explains. Layers of plants create a cozy, private atmosphere, and the curb appeal is undeniable. From the street, the front yard is both inviting and distinctive, setting their home apart in the neighborhood. The design was inspired by a family beach house in Cape May, New Jersey, where they spent many happy times. Despite being surrounded by close neighbors, that home had a lush, private backyard that felt like a true sanctuary. When they bought their Mill Creek home, they set out to recreate that layered, secluded feel.

To make it happen, they began by clearing overgrown plants and trees, creating a blank canvas for a new vision. “It was important for us to start fresh so we could be intentional about every detail,” says Di-Ann. With help from a skilled designer and landscaper, they created a landscape that balances beauty and privacy. One of the yard’s standout features is its size—something of a rarity in Mill Creek. This extra space gave them room to experiment with layering and plant variety, making the garden feel expansive without losing its sense of intimacy.

It wasn’t an overnight transformation. “The project took a long time, and doing it in phases made it much more manageable,” they note. Having a clear design plan from the start kept them from feeling overwhelmed, and each phase brought a sense of accomplishment. While they admit there’s always more they’d like to do, they’re proud of how far the yard has come—from an overgrown and messy starting point to the neat, inviting, and peaceful retreat it is today.

 For Bob and Di-Ann, the garden is not just about plants—it’s about creating a place that reflects their vision, welcomes friends and family, and provides a little slice of calm in the middle of a busy world.