Rooted in Passion

The Dickmans' 17-Year Quest to Craft the Perfect Garden Sanctuary

David and Paula Dickman have been residents of Heatherwood West for the past 17 years. Their decision to move here was driven by the potential they saw in their 1/3-acre property. It possessed excellent foundational features, particularly in the house itself. The couple enjoys living in this charming community that strikes a perfect balance between size and convenience, offering all essential amenities within a short distance from their home.

What they cherish most about their home, though, is the transformation of their yard into a tranquil sanctuary. Their gardens have become a source of instant relaxation and pride, as they have meticulously cultivated the space themselves over the years. One standout feature of their garden is the impressive collection of rose bushes, which adds a delightful touch.

Notably, their yard features some unique elements including three stands of old-growth cedars thoughtfully positioned to create a distinctive atmosphere within the gardens. Additionally, they take pride in a raised-bed backyard rose garden housing an impressive array of 50 rose bushes.

When asked if their yard has remained the same since their initial move, the response was a resounding "No". The Dickmans undertook an ambitious project by completely removing everything but some ferns, undergrowth, and the existing cedars and Douglas Firs. They embraced the challenge of creating their dream garden without the assistance of irrigation, dedicating 40 hours a week to watering during the growing season.

The couple's passion for their garden is deeply rooted in their love for the property. It captured their hearts with its untapped potential. They recognized the significant work ahead but were eager to transform the long-forgotten and neglected land into a thriving, beautiful sanctuary. Their shared love for nature guided them in creating not only a haven for themselves but also for various wildlife species. Starting virtually from scratch, they have since filled their gardens with an impressive array of perennials, evergreens, flowering and fruit trees, a raised bed kitchen garden, diverse hydrangea species, an extensive peony collection, and a newly-renovated backyard garden shed/cottage, complete with a designated tool garage. All of this is crowned by their remarkable raised bed rose garden consisting of 50 flourishing rose bushes.

Their dedication and hard work over 17 years have truly transformed their property into a picturesque and vibrant oasis!