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An Auburn, AL Multi-Generation Dream Yard

by Exmark

Searching for landscaping inspiration for your family homestead? If so, see how this 44-acre family homestead on the outskirts of Auburn, AL honors the past and embraces the present.

Join landscape expert and Dream Yards host Jane Waldrop as she explores Trey Johnston’s three-generation family land—just minutes from the heart of campus!

All in the Family

Immediately upon arriving, Trey—a.k.a.“Tiger Man”—was quick to point out the hallowed ground being visited. While both he and his brother Skip still reside there today, the property was purchased by his father in the late ’50s. And, his grandparents even lived there for a time, too.

On this property, Trey points out, there’s a lot to do. They’ve had a lot of family activities, raised a lot of animals, and even hosted a lot of weddings. He and his brother take great pride in both maintaining and enjoying this land.

Inspired by Heritage

Beyond honoring his father for purchasing Auburn’s J&M Bookstore years ago (still family run today), Trey pays homage to the land he’s inherited. The landscaping inspiration behind his dream property lies in the fact this is multi-generational, family-owned property. There’s a lot of history in this land and in the area—old stage coach trails used to run through it. Trey also comments that they have some very “special” neighbors who live in the area alongside them.

Family Faves

When asked about his favorite property features, Trey notes the old red barn where one of his daughter’s weddings took place. Trey also says his back porch is the greatest place in the afternoon for a sunset. (Skip also has a front porch facing west where he loves to watch the sunset, too.) And, his backyard pool is also a special place— especially, “with the grandchildren, when they’re all together” Trey notes.

Exmark: A family Tradition

Trey concludes his visit with Backyard Life by recognizing the 10-year relationship he’s shared with University Ace Hardware—his family’s local Exmark dealer. The Johnstons have purchased two units—a Lazer and Radius—from Ace, and notes the durability and superior cut both deliver.

Now that you’ve had a taste, what will your dream yard look like?

A Knoxville, TN Natural Dream Yard

by Exmark

Looking for natural landscaping ideas and inspiration? Then, check out this Knoxville, Tennessee family’s outdoor living space that’s perfect for both work and play.

Join landscape expert and Dream Yards host Jane Waldrop in exploring Daniel and Kendel Levy’s Tennessee River home—and home office!

Natural Landscaping Inspiration for Work and Play

Set on 15 acres along the Tennessee River, the Levys’ home has been a four-plus-year dream in the making. And, the dream has become a reality. Today, it doubles as home base for Daniel’s architecture firm—and Kendel’s homeschooling endeavors. And, its backyard lays at the “heart” of this communal gathering space.

Be it the water, gardens or mountains, their home’s six decks and 200+ windows provide a connection to the outdoors. Simply put, their home is an extension of the natural landscape around it.

Family Faves

When asked about their favorite outdoor spaces, Kendel notes the pond that serves as their backyard backdrop. It’s where their kids, family and friends fish, swim and recreate on a daily basis. “It draws their heart and brings adventure and beauty to the place,” she says.

For Daniel, the natural landscape elements their landscape contractor has helped create tops his list. Stone hardscaping and a water feature seamlessly blend their backyard into the natural environment, he remarks.

A “Natural” Reflection

When asked how their outdoor living spaces reflect them as a family, Daniel answers seriously, yet lightheartedly. “The outdoor shower,” he says, exemplifies just how much time the family spends outside getting dirty.

Partners in Beautification

Jane’s visit ends with Daniel thanking Seeds of Change for helping create their dream backyard. Similarly, Ian Dovan (S.O.C. owner) acknowledges his gratitude for the partnership, and the role Exmark mowers have played in its success.

Now that you’ve had a taste, what will your dream yard look like?

A Buford, GA Sport Court Dream Yard

by Exmark

Want to gain creative ideas and inspiration for your very own backyard sport court? If so, tune in to see how one Buford, Georgia family’s dream yard became a reality.

Join veteran landscape designer and Dream Yards host Jane Waldrop as she pays a visit to Tom and Amy DeGoey’s sports-centric residence as we explore their property for backyard sport court ideas and inspiration.

Backyard Sport Court Inspiration

As former college athletes and parents of two current NCAA athletes, the DeGoeys love all things stick and ball. Competition’s king here, so a sports court topped their dream yard’s must-have list. The neighborhood kids love hooping it up day and night, and Amy’s passion is tennis. And, so their builder made a sport court a reality. And, the focal point of their expansive property.

Fan Favorites

Tom and Amy were eager to share their favorite backyard focal points with us. Aside from loving the backyard sport court, Tom’s pick was their fire pits. Specifically, a wood-burning unit in the lower yard for the kids, and a poolside gas-powered unit for the adults. For Amy, it was all about having a pool and outdoor entertaining area that flowed directly from the heart of the family’s home: their kitchen.

Exmark Shoots, Scores, and the DeGoeys Win

Tom and Amy ended our visit by thanking Casey Gibson and his team at ProScape Land Management for the time and attention to detail in maintaining their dream yard. ProScape exclusively uses Exmarks—“the best of the best” in Tom’s eyes, as he and Amy had seen them on other dream yards they sought to emulate when creating their own.

Now that you’ve had a taste, what will your dream yard look like?

A Buford, GA Historic Dream Yard

by Exmark

Want to explore a historic home in Buford, GA where landscaping and outdoor living spaces embrace both the past and present? If so, here’s your opportunity to see how the Maughons’ dream yard strikes a balance between the two!

Join Augusta, GA-based landscape design expert and Dream Yards host Jane Waldrop as she tours Gaye and Buddy Maughon’s historic 1908 home.

Preserving the Past

Built by the famed Allen tannery family in 1908, the Maughons’ historic residence sits on 2 1/2 acres. In its backyard, the original Buford Schoolhouse and carriage house still stand intact, today.

Embracing the Present—and Future

Gaye—lovingly referred to as Gigi—and Buddy have recently constructed an elaborate chapel, renovated an existing barn, and built a chicken coop for their two egg-laying hens. They’ve also installed a play set for their grandchildren, which Gigi said they thoroughly enjoy.

Family Favorites

When asked about their favorite outdoor living area, the couple’s answers were mixed. Gigi draws inspiration and communal enjoyment from their chapel, while Buddy’s drawn to the home’s front porch and upper deck. Both of the Maughons, however, share a love for the city of Buford. As owners of the nearby Bare Bones Steakhouse, they appreciate their short (walkable) commute to work each day. And, they also love the array of neighboring local shops in the downtown square, and the nightlife they’ve helped create.

A Real Trail “Blazer”

When asked how Exmark products have contributed to the Maughons’ dream yard, Gigi was more than eager to elaborate. She’s owned an Exmark Lazer Z zero-turn (lovingly named “Blaze”) for the last five years, and absolutely loves mowing with “him.” Gigi noted the time her Exmark has saved over the tractor she previously cut with—and that she’s the only one in the family that’s allowed to do the mowing!

Now that you’ve had a taste, what will your dream yard look like?

A Trussville, AL Lakeside Dream Yard

by Exmark

Join us as we explore a Trussville, AL backyard that takes full advantage of its stunning shoreline to maximize lakefront living? And, that’ll ultimately help inspire your very own lakeside landscape ideas? In this Dream Yards episode, join veteran landscape designer and Dream Yards host Jane Waldrop for a behind-the-scenes look at the one-of-a-kind waterfront abode Rod McSweeney and his wife call home.

About the Lakefront Lot

The McSweeneys were immediately drawn to their neighborhood because of a unique lakeside point lot that was available. The property afforded them many lakefront living ideas and opportunities. In particular, the limestone seam running down the side of the property’s backyard lent itself to excellent natural landscaping options.

Everything “Pointed” to Water

Above all else, the McSweeneys’ love of water—and related activities—form the foundation of their backyard oasis. As avid water skiers and fishermen—not to mention owners of a water-loving dog—Rod and his wife love the peace and seclusion their lakeside yard provides.

Jane wraps up her visit with Rod by discussing the role his landscape maintenance partner—Quality Creative Landscaping. And, how big a role Exmark products have played in making the McSweeneys’ dream yard a reality.

Now that you’ve had a look, what will your dream yard look like?

Dream Yards: Season 1 Trailer

by Exmark

Looking to bring the outdoor living space you’ve always dreamed of to life? Then, tune into Dream Yards—Exmark’s newest original video series! Join Augusta, GA-based landscape design professional Jane Waldrop as she explores eight incredible backyards in and around Atlanta, GA, Birmingham, AL, Knoxville, TN, and Augusta, GA/Aiken, SC. Even better, Jane and the Backyard Life team provide insider access to the homeowners who created these special places. Visit the series landing page for more info.

About the Episodes

Episode 1: In this episode, saddle up with August, GA landscape designer and Dream Yards host Jane Waldrop as she explores Steve and Cathy Hulbert’s equestrian paradise on the outskirts of Aiken, South Carolina.

Episode 2: In this Dream Yards episode, landscape designer veteran and host Jane Waldrop visits Knoxville, TN to see how Andy and Courtney Herda transformed their outdoor living space into an environment for all ages to enjoy—together and independently!

Episode 3: Want to explore a Trussville, AL lakefront backyard that takes full advantage of its stunning shoreline? If so, join veteran landscape designer and Dream Yards host Jane Waldrop for a behind-the-scenes look at the one-of-a-kind waterfront abode Rod McSweeney and his wife call home.

Episode 4: Want to explore historic-home living in Buford, GA where landscaping and outdoor living spaces embrace both the past and present? If so, here’s your opportunity to see how the Maughons’ dream yard strikes a balance between the two as we tour Gaye and Buddy Maughon’s historic 1908 home.

Episode 5: Want to gain creative ideas and inspiration for your very own backyard sport court? If so, tune in to see how one Buford, Georgia family’s dream yard became a reality. Join our Dream Yards host Jane Waldrop as she pays a visit to Tom and Amy DeGoey’s sports-centric residence.

Episode 6: Looking for natural landscaping inspiration and ideas? Then, check out this Knoxville, Tennessee family’s outdoor living space that’s perfect for working and playing.

Episode 7: Head to Auburn, AL with veteran landscape designer and Dream Yards host Jane Waldrop for a tour of Trey Johnston’s 44-acre, multi-generational homestead—just minutes from the heart of campus. This storied property reflects the past, and is primed for family fun that’s still to come!

Episode 8: In the eighth and final Dream Yards episode, landscape design expert and host Jane Waldrop visits with Matt and Jenny Stinchcomb at their coastal-inspired home in the North Atlanta suburbs. From a pool and Chattahoochee River access, to a zipline, river deck and shaded back porch, it’s an outdoor living space you won’t want to miss out on!

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