54 LAKE OCONEE LIVING | FALL 2022
lakefront haven. Behind custom-built
stone walls, the sloping hill is dotted
with an impressive assortment of vegetation
that is both easily manageable
and optically delightful.
The yard includes Deodar Cedar
trees, Carolina Sapphire Cypress trees,
and Smoketrees surrounded flowers
and shrubbery such as St. John’s Wort,
Black Knight Butterfly Bushes, Black
Eyed Susan, Canyon Creek Abelia,
Limelight Hydrangeas, Sunshine Ligustrum,
Viburnum Snowball, Kaleidoscope
Abelia, and Confetti Abelia.
“We didn’t know what a lot of these
were at first, but it turned out wonderful,”
says Charlie from his towering
deck overlooking the yard and lake.
“My favorite addition out there is the
Canyon Creek plant,” shares Charlie.
“The pink blooming really stands out
against the green trees.”
Each year the Schmitts look forward
to the Fall season, the peak time of
year for the yard to truly shine.
“The Fall is the best out here,” says
Charlie. “We have plants that come
into full blossom in the yard and it
just looks beautiful as all the leaves
everywhere start to change color.”
The Schmitts’ shoreline garden is not
only appreciated by pleasantly surprised
lake explorers sailing through
the area, but also by the lake’s wildlife
residents.
“The garden draws all kinds of
animal friends to us – deer, birds,
butterflies,” says Charlie. “It’s nice to
have company.”
The Schmitts plan to enjoy their
lakefront sanctuary and hope the
lush garden adds to the awe-inspiring
views the lake offers to all who grace
its waters and shores.
“This is just a fantastic place to live,”
says Charlie. “We love how peaceful
and private it is. We have this wonderful
view and you just never get tired of
looking at it.”
The Schmitts relish in taking their 11
grandchildren out in the garden before taking
the pontoon out for a spin.