Community

Backyard Escapes Pt. 3: Keith and Tina James Dig Their Garden in Riverview Estates

Published

5 years ago

October 18, 2020

Patrizia Winsper

An unassuming façade conceals a spectacular retreat in this established neighborhood. For 17 years, Keith and Tina James have appreciated the resort-like backyard of their 1977 home built on a near acre lot, close to the Atlanta Country Club.

When inside, they and their little dogs, Sophie and Max, can delight in the views of this attractive yard from windows spanning the back of the house. Keith shared, “Every morning I say, ‘Wow!’”

When they first discovered this house, it had been on the market for a year and was in a run-down, overgrown state. “The pool had a huge bullfrog in it. We could see through that. It felt like Callaway Gardens, but private. We have this huge fence all around. It was like our own little piece of Heaven to nurture,” Tina said.

“It needed a lot of TLC, but all the bones were there. We love plants so we spent a lot of time at nurseries adding new plants here and there — ferns, hostas, potato vines and the Sago Palms around the pool. We ended up with what we have now,” Keith said.

A jasmine covered gate opens up to a sprawling garden surrounded by mature trees. The focal point: a sparkling pool of turquoise colored water. The light blue lounge chairs on the pool surround add to the vacation getaway vibe. The deck, fire pit, pond and patio areas are nestled among crepe myrtles, magnolias, Japanese maples, rhododendrons, azaleas, camelias and hydrangeas.

Blue pots spilling with begonias and ivy line the wooden deck and walkway. Giant ferns growing near the pergola create a lush, jungle-like ambiance. Blueberries are there for the picking if one can get to them before the squirrels.

Pandemic Relief — Backyards for the Win

“It’s a relaxing place, like a destination. People would drive somewhere to go have a relaxing weekend in a setting like this — and we’ve got it every day. We use it that way all the time,” Keith said.

Tina, who normally works 14-hour days in an office, has been able to work from home. “It’s been the biggest blessing. I haven’t spent this much time at home since I was growing up. I take breaks and go outside. The dogs get out more because I’m here. It was so wonderful to enjoy this backyard.

“Keith had family come in from out of town,” she continued. “We had our meals outside so we wouldn’t be too close. Even in this large house, it’s too close inside.”

Gardening Is a Work of Heart

After drawing inspiration from magazines, Tina purchases carloads of plants and flowers to plant in all the pots each spring. “It looks like I know what I’m doing,” Tina laughed.

Keith maintains the bushes and everything in the backyard himself. There are tree limbs, leaves and tiny crepe myrtle flowers to pick up and blow off throughout the week. “It’s amazing the difference you feel when you walk out and everything is blown off. It feels wonderful,” Keith said.

The pool liner was changed once. Routine maintenance is required on the pumps. “We got a pool cover but never use it. We love looking out and seeing that beautiful view all year,” Keith said.’

The Jameses share their outdoor space with squirrels, chipmunks, red foxes, hawks and owls. They adore the blue heron fly-bys.

Up Next

Backyard Escapes Pt. 4: Come Gather in the Garden of Jay and Jill Lowe in Peachtree Station 

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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 Government

The Future of Law Enforcement in Peachtree Corners: Community Meeting

Published

5 days ago

April 14, 2025

Peachtree Corners Magazine staff

Flyer for a community meeting regarding law enforcement in Peachtree Corners.

The City of Peachtree Corners will hold an important public meeting on May 8 to discuss the future of law enforcement in our community — including the potential creation of a city police department.

This meeting will feature a presentation by City Manager Brian Johnson on the findings of a comprehensive Police Analysis & Staffing Study that evaluated the feasibility and projected costs of forming a city police department based on current workload, crime levels and community demographics.

The presentation will also include budgetary considerations, comparative models and the advantages and disadvantages of a county vs. city police department.

Following the presentation, there will be time for a Q&A and open dialogue.

In-person attendance is limited to 300. First come, first served. A livestream option will be available for those who can’t attend in person.

After the meeting, a follow-up survey will be available on the city’s project page.

Meeting details

The Future of Law Enforcement in Peachtree Corners

Date/Time: May 8, 2025 at 7 p.m.

Location: Christ the King Lutheran Church (5775 Peachtree Parkway)

For more information, visit peachtreecornersga.gov.

Community

Registration Now Open for Light Up the Corners 2025

Published

1 week ago

April 9, 2025

Peachtree Corners Magazine staff

The starting line of a community race with green, inflatable start archway and dozens of racers and specators.

It’s time to sign up for the best (and only) Glow Run and Twilight Trot in Peachtree Corners!

Registration is now open to participate in this year’s Light Up the Corners race, scheduled for Saturday, August 16 at The Forum. The 1k Twilight Trot will start at 8 p.m., and the four-mile Glow Run begins at 8:30 p.m. Once the runners have done their thing, a fun post-race party will follow.

This annual event is not only an exciting community tradition, but also a fundraiser for the Why It Matters campaign at the Fowler Family YMCA.

All proceeds from registration goes directly to helping struggling families and children in the community benefit from the life-changing programs and services offered at the YMCA.

Individual registration is $40 through July 31; $45 if you register between August 1–14; and $50 if you wait to sign up on August 15 or 16. Those registering as a team of four or more will save $5–$10 per registration.

Sponsorships available

In addition to individual and team registrations, organizers also rely on the generosity and support of local businesses to make each year’s fundraising event successful. And this year is no different. If you’d like to support their efforts through a sponsorship, information can be found on the Light Up the Corners 2025 website.

T-shirt logo contest

Another way to take part is to enter the t-shirt logo design contest. Artwork and entry forms are due by May 16, and judges will be looking for one dynamic image to represent the Light Up the Corners Glow Run on the race banner, t-shirts and all multi-media.

The winning artist will receive a $1000 check, presented during the event. An entry form and additional details can be found here.

City of Peachtree Corners

Our Growing Deer Population: What to Do?

Published

2 weeks 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.