Chessboard Patio vs. Poet's Garden

Aeronautical engineer Ardie Kennedy moved into her bungalow 2-1/2 years ago. Last year college professor Dr. Nancy Sheley moved in across the street. They discovered they had a lot in common--they both love books and they enjoy battling it out over a board game. Now they say their friendship is strong enough to take each other on in a battle for the best-looking yard. Landscape designer Chris Canaday helps both homeowners come up with a design plan.

As an English professor, Sheley's prize possession is an 1867 copy of The Language of Flowers, which gives the meaning behind each flower that grows in the garden. Sheley would love turn her backyard into a "Poet’s Garden"--flowers mentioned that have meaning in poetry. Ardie Kennedy, an aeronautical engineer, is grounded when it comes to gardening. Kennedy loves board games and would love her front yard to show off her love of fun and games.

Canaday's design for Sheley includes stenciling flowers on the garage wall, installing a flagstone path and patio and staining the tired old deck. For Kennedy, her fun begins with creating a chessboard patio, complete with giant chessmen, defining her beds with new plant material and installing an arbor.

Chess board (Crate and Barrel)
Chess pieces (Wholesale Chess Equipment)