Little did Eliane Kohansky realize three years ago, that the continued
"bugging" of her husband Ed, to put in a small pond would
unleash a creative genius! Ed has been going strong ever since creating
the many intriguing venues located throughout their wonderful Hanmer
property. He said it only took Eliane two weeks with the smaller pond to
realize that she wanted much more.
After retirement, Eliane said they travelled for 5 or 6 years. Having
been to the West coast a couple times and down to the East coast, they
decided to stay home and start enjoying their yard. The marvellous
surroundings in the Kohansky yard can keep one busy for hours walking to
and from each lovely garden station to the next, taking you from one
imagination filled scene to another. Ed has handcrafted everything you see
in the yard, including the enchanting house that is home to Little Red
Riding Hood’s grandma! Make sure to watch out for the wolf awaiting you
at the door.
Eliane, who helps with the work, gives all the creative credit to Ed.
He says he can’t sit still for too long before he gets another idea.
Proof in point, is the lovely new shade garden that they are presently
working on under some impressive spruce trees. According to Ed and Eliane,
this was to be next spring’s project, but after sitting in the cozy
screened in tent for a tad too long, they decided "why wait?"
All the life-like cement creatures that are located throughout the
garden were brought from Saskatchewan on a trailer last summer. Among them
are a huge 400 pound Elk which found a home in their front flower
bed....not to mention the Deer family, sheep and fairies. The list goes on
and on. In fact, Ed and Eliane are planning another trip this summer to
pick up more of the irresistible creatures to add life to other areas of
their backyard. Included, is a big bear which already has a spot picked
out for it in the new shade garden.
Ed and Eliane said they had no idea things would take off the way they
have just from one little pond. We can only imagine what Ed’s creative
mind will conjure up over the upcoming winter months, and we look forward
to seeing the fruits of that creative thinking.
