Really Long-Lasting Color

 

When you first walk by this house, it seems pretty average.  Victorian that had its interesting wood siding, korbels, and gingerbread covered up with this white siding in the 40's or 50's and had half of the porch enclosed, probably around the same time.  If your eye lingers a little longer, it may be drawn to the white painted stones and pink silk flowers surrounding a stone marker.

Drawing closer we learn that this is an historical landmark.  We've no idea by whom it was made a landmark or why the plaque as there are a lot of grand homes of this era in Tacoma.

There are two gorgeous leaded glass transoms in this downstairs room.  The sign in the window makes it clear that the homeowner is proud to have lived there for fifty years.

 

In front of the house once stood a stately tree, probably planted around the time that the house was built.  Now, the remaining trunk has  been painted and adorned with a variety of objects.  Mounted on the porch are many video cameras.  One imagines that these objects might walk away at times. 

Covering the ground with concrete and painting it green is certainly a water-wise option and one that for some reason, isn't covered in Pam Penick's fabulous new book Lawn Gone.  Just goes to show that we can always learn something new.  Savvy designers will note the repition of the white painted rocks which are a color echo of the house itself. Linguists may note that historical and hysterical are only two letters apart.

There's certainly something to see from all angles.  It's a good thing that the tree is dead otherwise it might die of embarassment.

I wonder if one could make contributions to the collection on the tree.  I'm sure I've some things around the house that would be right at home here!

Another object planted in the hellstrip.

Ah, sunflowers and daisies, a sign of spring if ever I saw one. 

This rock garden closer to the rear of the house  is a horticultural marvel with roses and tulips blooming simultaneously and in such hostile-looking soil! Thank goodness for the protective cable!  One would hate to see a car swerve off the road, across the hell strip and into this garden.

If one closely studies the sublte clues, he may ascertain that the owner would prefer that passersby not enter this area.  Something in the eyes of the guard kitty perhaps. 

 

It's always fun to discover things on walks around the hood!  Happy Monday all!