What started out as a 16-ton pile of rocks in the middle of a CPN backyard has been transformed into a dreamland for local birds, butterflies, bugs, bees, and most importantly, its owners, designers and builders, HOA1 residents Ken and Jeaninne Bassett.

The yard contains a 10 foot by 12 foot pond that is home to goldfish and floating lilly pads; a 30 foot long, four foot high granite retaining wall; countless flowers - mostly native to Colorado; dark green grass, and healthy, full trees and shrubs. And to enjoy it all, a nice wood deck that overlooks the lawn.

Now that his landscaping is mature, “I just have to maintain it by pruning, removing dead flowers, and adding a bit of water to the pond once a week,” says Ken Bassett.

The garden requires less water than a normal grass lawn, and it’s a very impressive thing for friends, visitors, and neighbors to see.

A written feature story on the Bassetts’ garden appeared in the Rocky Mountain News on April 15. To read the article, visit the archive section at www.rockymountainnews.

If you have an interest in seeing the Bassetts’ backyard, send Ken an e-mail at kenb@castlepines.net.