Community
Backyard Escapes Pt 1: Enter the Enchanting Garden of Sean and Andrea Purdy in Neely Farm
On a quiet cul-de-sac in Peachtree Corners hides a garden worthy of being booked for weddings, portraits and movie sets. It’s a backyard that could easily be right out of Veranda, the magazine.
It’s hard to believe that koi fish enthusiast Sean Purdy didn’t really have a plan for his impressive yard when he and his family moved in five years ago, aside from providing a home for his 14 pet fish.
Yet the koi pond, surrounded by Japanese maples and a pagoda statue, with its beautiful stone work, the soothing sound of water making its way down a tiered waterfall spilling into it, was just the first of many increasingly ambitious projects the Purdys have been working on since their move to “The Farm,” as Neely neighbors like to call it. “It’s a lot of work, but a lot of fun,” Sean said.
The koi are certainly thriving; they’re startlingly large. “They only grow as large as their environment and their breeding allow,” Sean said. These are big fish in a large pond.
A brainstorming session with Landscape Architect Steve Brewer resulted in the design of the magnificent lily pond. “He designed the shape of the wall. I came up with all the materials,” Sean recalled.
Perched above the lily pond, water splashes from the mouth of a koi fish being held by a standing young boy, a friendly turtle at his feet. It’s a life size, antique bronze fountain, circa 1870, a favorite find at a Roswell antique shop.
After the construction of the ponds, the surrounding landscaping was developed giving careful thought to a garden for all seasons.
To Every Time and Season Some Beauty of Its Own
“Different plants bloom at different times and seasons. You figure out when their blooming period is and incorporate them, so there’s always something blooming,” Sean shared.
A palette of pink, purple and white intermixed with some red blooms comes to life in spring: peonies, irises, hydrangeas.
Andrea pointed out a heavily blooming area in the garden and as if on cue, the daintiest of insects flitted about, attracted to the summer flowers which will bloom into fall. “It’s just beautiful; I love the butterfly garden,” Andrea said.
The purple and yellow water lilies appear too perfect to be real, yet avid gardener Sean pointed out, “There should be more lilies. They’re not all blooming right this minute.” I couldn’t imagine a more beautiful spectacle.
To delight in the fall: “The camelias will be blooming soon; they’re budding up right now,” Sean said. Then the Lenten roses, with their evergreen foliage and winter blossoms will appear.
A gravel pathway and stone staircase wind around the garden to a round clearing projected to become an additional patio with rose-covered trellis. Sean built the charming garden shed last year.
Pandemic Relief — Backyards for the Win
Andrea has hosted a few book club meetings around the fire pit, which lends itself nicely to social distancing.
Safe visits with her elderly mom are also ideal here. “We can sit and chat outside. I get a chance to enjoy it much more than Sean,” Andrea jested.
Gardening Is a Work of Heart
Sean cites constant weeding and trimming. He’s had to relocate some plants. “The soil conditions here are really not that great. We’re on sandy clay. It doesn’t percolate very well,” Sean said.
This garden oasis is an ongoing passion. “There’s one last stage I need to take care of,” Sean affirmed, but we don’t believe him.
The Charity Run/Walk will be part of Curiosity Lab’s annual Criterium event
Expect a day of thrilling races and family-friendly fun at the inaugural Curiosity Lab Charity 5K Run/Walk followed by the Curiosity Lab Criterium on Sunday, April 27.
The day-long community event will kick off at 8 a.m., when registration opens for the 5K. The race will start at 9 a.m. and end at 10:30 a.m., and the Criterium will begin at 11:15 a.m.
In addition to the running and cycling events, there will also be kid’s races, food & beverage vendors, a kids zone, a DJ spinning tunes and more fun throughout the day.
The Charity 5K Run/Walk
Presented by Werfen and Sidel, with additional support provided by Atlas Collaborative and the City of Peachtree Corners, the Charity 5K Run/Walk will benefit the American Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and 100% of the registration fees will be donated.
While no prizes will be given for the race, bib timing will be used for those who would like to see their times. And each registrant will receive a Curiosity Lab Charity 5K Run/Walk t-shirt for participating.
Registration for the 5K is open now.
Curiosity Lab Criterium
Following the 5K, hang around and experience the Curiosity Lab Criterium, part of U.S. Pro Cycling’s Speed Week.
Speed Week is a premiere week-long event on the U.S. Pro Cycling Circuit that draws cyclists from around the world, including Olympic medalists and world and national champions. In 2024, the professional men’s and women’s events drew cyclists from over 30 states and more than 20 countries.
Join in the excitement and watch as some of the world’s top male and female Criterium Racers tackle the most challenging track on the circuit.
The details
The 2025 Curiosity Lab Criterium & 5K will take place on a course located within the world-famous Curiosity Lab at Peachtree Corners — a 5G-enabled, 500-acre living laboratory ecosystem designed specifically as a proving ground for IoT, mobility and smart city emerging technologies.
Location: Curiosity Lab at City Hall • 310 Technology Pkwy NW, Peachtree Corners
Date and time: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The 5K starts at 9 a.m and ends at 10:30 a.m. The Criterium begins at 11:15 a.m.
Parking for the event will be located at 400 and 420 Technology Parkway, Peachtree Corners.
For more information, visit peachtreecornersga.gov.
The sun is out, days are getting warmer and spring is on its way. That means more time outdoors and more fun events and activities in and around Peachtree Corners.
From movies and sports to live music and family fun, now’s the time to mark your calendar for all of the upcoming events you won’t want to miss. We’re sharing a few of our April favorites to get you started.
CrossFit on the Green
All ages and fitness levels are invited to join Terrance Fox with CrossFit PPG on the Peachtree Corners Town Green, Thursdays at 8 a.m. for a strength and conditioning workout. Bring water (no glass containers), a small towel or two, and a mat if possible. Wear comfortable workout attire and good shoes. March–November. Admission: free
Peachtree Corners Town Green • 5140 Town Green Blvd., Peachtree Corners
Cornhole Spring League
Come out and cheer on the teams who’ve registered to compete in this seven-week spring league. Play takes place weekly beginning March 20 and ends on May 15 with a tournament and trophy. 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Admission: free
The Forum at Peachtree Corners • 5155 Peachtree Parkway, Peachtree Corners
Friday Night Live
Kick back and groove to the smooth sounds of live music from favorite local artists every Friday night on The Plaza, April–October. Concert schedule will be announced soon. 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Admission: free
The Forum at Peachtree Corners • 5155 Peachtree Parkway, Peachtree Corners
Kids and Parents Gardening Workshop
This gardening workshop presented by nonprofit group DFOWW will share basic gardening information for youth ages 5–12 and their parent or guardian. Seeds, plants and a catered lunch will be provided. Register online. April 5 from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tickets: $75 per adult; $10 per adult for low-income families
Norcross Cultural Arts and Community Center • 10 College St., Norcross
Forum Flicks
Forum Flicks are back for 2025. Gather on The Plaza and enjoy your favorite movies on the big screen on the second Tuesday of each month. Movie schedule will be announced soon. April–October starting at 6 p.m. Admission: free
The Forum at Peachtree Corners • 5155 Peachtree Parkway, Peachtree Corners
Spring Plant & Pot Sale
Kick off the spring gardening season with this four-day sale of plants and pots. Tomatoes, peppers, herbs, flowers and more will be available for purchase. April 19, 21–23 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday; 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday–Wednesday.
Peachtree Farm • 356 Research Ct., Peachtree Corners
Earth Day Celebration
Learn about the origins of Earth Day and create seed bombs to take home with you at this all-ages workshop. April 22 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Admission: free. Registration is not required.
Peachtree Corners Library • 5570 Spalding Drive, Peachtree Corners
Mt. Carmel Spring BBQ
Enjoy pork BBQ, Brunswick stew, slaw and desserts. The event will continue until items sell out. Dine in and take out are available. April 25 starting at 11 a.m.
Mount Carmel United Methodist Church • 5100 S. Old Peachtree Rd., Peachtree Corners
Wesleyan Artist Market
This annual two-day market showcase features a curated selection of artwork, handmade goods, jewelry and more, with offerings from professional artists as well as student artists. April 25–26 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.
Wesleyan School • 5405 Spalding Drive, Peachtree Corners
Spring Fest!
Welcome spring at CtK’s annual Spring Fest! Families are invited to join in for a day of free family fun, food, face painting, a petting zoo and more. April 26 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission: free
Christ the King Lutheran Church • 5575 Peachtree Parkway, Peachtree Corners
Curiosity Lab Criterium and Charity 5K Run/Walk
This day-long, family-friendly event on April 27 will feature an inaugural charity 5K Run/Walk to benefit the American Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Following the race, guests are invited to hang around and experience the Curiosity Lab Criterium, a U.S. Pro Cycling Circuit Race. The 5K starts at 9 a.m.; the bike race begins at 11:15 a.m. There will also be kid’s races, food & beverage vendors, a kids zone, DJ and more throughout the day. From 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Curiosity Lab at City Hall • 310 Technology Pkwy NW, Peachtree Corners
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Mike Schleifer to Leave Alliance for Lincoln Center Theater
Public Notice: Scheduled Maintenance on Town Center Parking Deck
Inside the Solicitor General’s Office: Lisamarie Bristol on Justice in Gwinnett County
Why Patient Experience Matters: A Conversation with Dr. Aristo Shyn
Burn The Ships: Alex Wright on Committing to Success & Helping Businesses Thrive
Fun for a Good Cause at Curiosity Lab’s Inaugural 5K Run/Walk
Upcoming Spring Events You Won’t Want to Miss in April
Light up the Corners [Video]
Capitalist Sage: Business Leadership in Your Community [Podcast]
Cliff Bramble: A Culinary Adventure through Italy
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A Hunger for Hospitality
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