Sunday, June 21, 2015

BIRMINGHAM: A backyard party with all the trimmings

It was Party Central at a pre-Father's Day event we attended on Saturday in Birmingham Township. Two parties were going on across the street from each other, so the cul-de-sac was lined with parked vehicles.
Our hosts have a back yard that is marvelous for entertaining. The swimming pool has a fountain and a whirlpool, and the owners use a miraculous non-chlorine chemical to keep it clean. It was wonderful to be able to open my eyes under water without having them sting and turn bright red. And no lingering chlorine odor in hair, beach towels or swimsuits.
It was great fun to watch the kids splashing around, playing catch and floating on rafts, and we adults did our share of swimming as well. A brother and sister who grew up in the Unionville area were reminiscing about how they took Red Cross swimming lessons in various local ponds (like Smiths' on Glen Hall Road and Strubles' on Marlborough Road).
The owners have a super-duper Weber BBQ grill. The son of the household, home from college, was cooking hamburgers, hot dogs and marinated chicken simultaneously, along with a pot of sausages. Tiki torches, lights and stereo speakers are spaced throughout the yard. There's plenty of seating under giant umbrellas, and those who prefer air conditioning can head inside.
The landscaping was beautiful as well. I was especially impressed by the towering Smoke bush (Cotinus coggygria), which was in full bloom. The owner told me it's hardy and requires minimal care; he just whacks it back every few years.

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