Garden Tour No. 7 - Russell Home (continued)   Photo by Lisa Agent Situated on a large, wooded lot, the home and yard have been a quarter-century labor of love.  Through three home additions and a recent pool make-over, the Russells have raised children, hosted parties for kids and grown-ups alike, and are now enjoying grandchildren. The covered back patio overlooking the pool features a granite bar with stools and hanging bouganvilla and is ideal for escaping the sun’s heat.  Beds of perennials provide a border.  Down the steps is a pool deck with chaise lounges and a patio table, perfect for sunning or just relaxing.  During the spring and summer the pool deck and patio area will contain several pots with colorful spring plantings.  Although the plants vary from year to year, geraniums and vincas are commonly included. The pool itself contains a built-in hot tub, and has flowing water and an infinity feature.  There are several ceramic or concrete frogs around the pool, leading Mrs. Russell to refer to it jokingly as her “frog pond”.  There is also a large pool-side fire pit for night-time or cool-weather entertaining.  A wrought-iron fence separates the pool from the rest of the back yard. Outside the wrought-iron fence, and at the end of the wrap-around drive, is a wooden children’s playset which no doubt sees much use when the little ones visit.  At the property line is the neighbor’s fenced- in pasture with horses.  Mrs. Russell says the neighbors are “gracious enough to let us enjoy” the horses, and the grandchildren particularly love feeding them. The Russells clearly designed their pool and yard with family in mind, and it has been a gathering site for years.  With the second generation now enjoying the fun, don’t look for that to change any time soon. Tablescapes for the Russell home provided by The Early Settler.