STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY
TIA LYNN IVEY
Relaxing on a pontoon
in the middle
of Lake Oconee is
a favorite pastime for lake
lovers, taking in the scenic
views of National Forests,
wide open skies, and the
serene waters that span for
miles. But those aren’t the
only pleasing views to be
appreciated. Shore appeal
is another stunning sight
for those lounging on the
lake.
For homeowners living
on the lake, their yards
become a labor of love to
add uniquely crafted corners
popping with blends
of vibrant blooming flowers
and complimenting
shrubbery and trees along
rolling steep hills leading
to the shore line.
Charlie and Connie
Schmitt, a retired couple
who moved to Lake
Oconee nearly three
years ago, have rolled up
their sleeves to create
and maintain a luscious
backyard garden that visually
enhances the already
majestic lakeside view
of their small slice of the
shore line.
The Schmitts’ house
reigns high on a hill
overlooking the lake,
custom-designed and
built by their beloved son,
Joe, owner of J.R. Schmitt
Homes.
“We worked our whole
lives to get here,” says
Charlie, a retired truck
driver. His wife Connie is
a retired teacher. “We had
this lot for years. We only
ever dreamed of living on
the lake.”
The dream come true for
the Schmitts is a reality
they now share with their
FALL 2022 | LAKE OCONEE LIVING 51