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Hosta walk, waterfalls highlight Fort Dodge yard

Simpsons spent decades developing gardens

- Messenger photo by Bill Shea
A statue of an angel sits in the middle of a large backyard garden at 1013 N. 13th St. The garden, created by homeowners John and Linn Simpson, features two small water falls. Water hyacinth, water iris, peonies and black-eyed susans are among the flowers planted there.

When John and Lin Simpson moved into their home at 1013 N. 13th St.,the yard surrounding the house was pretty much just grass.

“Every tree, every thing, is something that we planted,” Lin Simpson said.

That plain yard was a blank canvas upon which the Simpsons created their masterpiece of gardening. It includes a backyard garden with a pond and two small waterfalls.

Their property has been named the latest Yard of the Month by the Fort Dodge Federated Garden Club.

The landscaping in the front consists of a flower bed, and the beginning of what the Simpsons call the hosta walk. It’s a path on the south side of the house that leads to the backyard. It is lined on both sides by many hostas. A series of arbors form arches over the walk.

- Messenger photo by Bill Shea
Lots of plants, flowers and greenery fill a central garden in the backyard of 1013 N. 13th St. The garden at the home of John and Linn Simpson also has two small waterfalls.

The walk ends next to a magnolia tree and just steps away from a large flower garden. Peonies, black-eyed susans, water hyacinth and water iris are among the flowers found there. The water iris and the water hyacinth thrive next to a small pond. A pump keeps water splashing down two small waterfalls and into the pond.

Plenty of hydrangeas can be found throughout the backyard, including near a shed that was built in 1933 when the house was constructed. Lin Simpson calls it The Cottage.

Not far from The Cottage is a pedal-powered circular sharpening stone that Lin Simpson said is more than 100 years old.

There are three seating areas in the backyard, including a patio with a fireplace.

The yard and gardens were developed without any master plan, according to Lin Simpson.

- Messenger photo by Bill Shea
A stream of water tumbles down a waterfall in the backyard garden of John and Linn Simpson at 1012 N. 13th St.

The Simpsons, who are retired after careers in the insurance business, have some help keeping their property in top condition. Kevin Vote tends to the yard and gardens every Saturday. Lin Simpson calls him the “Toad Whisperer” because of his knack for spotting toads and removing them from the gardens.

- Messenger photo by Bill Shea
Two small waterfalls feed a pond in the midst of a backyard garedn at 1013 N. 13th St. The pond is surrounded by hundreds of flowers, most of which are perennials.

- Messenger photo by Bill Shea
A cluster of hydrangea surrounds a small structure in the backyard of 1013 N. 13th St. that homeowner Linn Simpson has dubbed The Cottage. At the far left is a circular stone used for sharpening knives that Simpson said is more than 100 years old.

- Messenger photo by Bill Shea
Purple blossoms crown the variety of plants filling the backyard garden at 1013 N. 13th St.

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