Community

Backyard Escapes Pt 1: Enter the Enchanting Garden of Sean and Andrea Purdy in Neely Farm

Published

4 years ago

October 11, 2020

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.

Sean and Andrea Purdy. Photos by Patrizia Winsper

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.

Up Next

Backyard Escapes Pt. 2: The Garden Is the Happy Place of the Johnson Family in Amhurst

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Patrizia Winsper

Patrizia hails from Toronto, Canada where she earned an Honors B.A. in French and Italian studies at York University, and a B.Ed. at the University of Toronto. This trilingual former French teacher has called Georgia home since 1998. She and her family have enjoyed living, working and playing in Peachtree Corners since 2013.

City of Peachtree Corners

Our Growing Deer Population: What to Do?

Published

5 days ago

April 2, 2025

Mayor Mike Mason

I want to take a moment to address an issue that has been increasingly affecting our community — the growing deer population.

Over the past few years, we have observed a significant increase in the number of deer within Peachtree Corners, leading to heightened concerns about public safety, property damage and ecological impacts. I want to share what we are doing to address these challenges and how you can be part of the solution.

The surge in the deer population poses several threats to our community:

1. Landscape damage: Deer feeding on ornamental plants, shrubs and trees results in significant property damage and costly repairs for homeowners.

2. Increased risk of deer-vehicle collisions: Frequent road crossings, often under low-visibility conditions, pose serious safety risks to drivers and passengers.

3. Adverse ecological impacts: Excessive browsing by deer diminishes plant diversity, impacting the availability of food for other wildlife.

4. Public health concerns: High deer densities contribute to an increase in ticks, elevating the risk of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses.

To address these challenges, the City of Peachtree Corners is collaborating with wildlife officials from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GADNR) Urban Wildlife Program and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Wildlife Services.

These partnerships are vital, as GADNR holds primary authority over wildlife management, and USDA brings extensive experience in urban wildlife management. By working together, we aim to develop a comprehensive approach tailored to our community’s unique needs.

Based on recommendations from our partners, the City is actively developing a comprehensive deer management plan. The plan aims to mitigate the public safety, property damage, ecological and public health impacts caused by the growing deer population.

Here’s what we are doing:

1. Population surveys: Utilizing advanced tools like trail cameras and thermal imaging to accurately assess deer numbers.

2. Habitat assessments: Evaluating the impact of the deer population on local vegetation and biodiversity.

3. Community involvement: Updating the “PTC Report It” app to allow residents to report deer-related concerns and submit photographs.

4. Data analysis: Collaborating with federal and state partners to analyze data and determine a sustainable deer population for our community.

Once the assessment phase is complete, the city will adopt a deer management plan. Since many deer reside on private property, the plan will offer property owners city-supported options for managing deer. This includes educational programs, habitat modification techniques and access to targeted population reduction initiatives.

Our goal is to facilitate relationships between wildlife officials and residents to ensure a balanced approach that protects public safety, preserves property and maintains ecological integrity.

Here are a few ways you can help:

• Complete the Deer Impact Survey: Available online. Your input will help us gather valuable data on deer population densities and their impact.

• Report concerns: Use the “PTC Report It” app or go online to report deer-related issues and share photos.

• Stay informed: Follow our updates and participate in any upcoming GADNR workshops to stay informed about deer management efforts.

I truly appreciate your support and cooperation as we work together to address these challenges and protect the quality of life in Peachtree Corners. Thank you for being engaged and committed to our community.

City of Peachtree Corners

Public Notice: Scheduled Maintenance on Town Center Parking Deck

Published

2 weeks ago

March 25, 2025

Peachtree Corners Magazine staff

Maintenance and repairs will take place from March through July; the deck will remain open to the public throughout

Starting the week of March 24, the City of Peachtree Corners will begin scheduled maintenance and repairs on the Town Center Parking Deck. These improvements are expected to continue through July 2025 and are necessary to ensure the longevity of the structure.

During this period, the deck will remain open to the public, but the repair areas will be temporarily closed on a rolling basis. These closures will allow crews to efficiently complete the necessary work while minimizing disruption to tenants, customers and residents.

To assist with navigation, directional signage, barriers and other safety measures will be in place to guide drivers and pedestrians safely around work areas. For public safety, drivers must follow the directional signage and only park in the open sections of the deck.

The city appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation as they work to maintain a safe and well-functioning parking facility.

For project updates, visit peachtreecornersga.gov.

City of Peachtree Corners

Fun for a Good Cause at Curiosity Lab’s Inaugural 5K Run/Walk

Published

3 weeks ago

March 18, 2025

Peachtree Corners Magazine staff

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.

A group of bikers at the starting line, competing in a bike race. — photo courtesy of City of Peachtree Corners

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.