LIFE WHERE WE LIVE: April 2017

Between days of working hard as a Realtor, helping buyers find those perfect homes and sellers get their homes sold, we have been working hard in our own yard. Anyone who drives by our place might see bales and bales of stacked pine needles lined up along the driveway slowly being placed in the flower beds. Usually, my dad's old mower is right there with the wagon attached for hauling. The lily pond has been mucked and is just starting to show signs of water lily blooms as the water slowly clears up enough to see the tiny fish swimming around, excited about the warmer weather. We have to pardon the mess for a couple weeks as we transform the winterized yard into what will be a yard with beautiful color and interest.

As a Realtor in Clarksville, showing homes gives me new insight to landscape ideas that I might not think about. I am someone who likes to try out different ideas and plans. I started out as a gardener who loved the look of a natural garden where anything could go anyplace but over the years I started trying to contain my gardens more. Maybe because over time a garden can get away from you as life gets busy. If you saw my gardens, you probably would not describe them as contained and probably would not see them as those like I do, but you probably didn't see them at all before I started cutting back!

Going to view homes with potential buyers can be fun. I am impressed by everything from intricately detailed gardens to natural gardens, potted gardens of all kinds and the rare water gardens. Most of the time buyers are very excited about a beautiful yard-- sometimes it becomes over whelming and they can not imagine putting all the love into a home of gardens that the owner does. As a gardener myself, it is always amazing to me to hear different views on a beautiful yard. Gardens can be described as flower gardens galore or pots of few and plenty, beautifully laid out shrubs and trees or just unique designs with beautiful features like statues or benches, fountains and arbors. The word garden holds different meanings for every individual.

When I was young, my mom and dad always said not to plant until after April 15th. That was the day! As the years have gone by we now wait till end of April to plant in my hometown of Clarksville. I have even been known to go into May after a hard winter.

Before the end of April, Tim is usually in the yard working on any weeds that have tried to make a home in our flower beds. The next step is mulching. Years ago we switched from shredded mulch to pine needles. I first really paid attention to pine needles covering the flower beds when I was visiting my Aunt in Alabama and it looked so nice. After that I just seemed to notice it more and more. I find pine straw mulch is lighter weight than bark mulch which allows for greater percolation of water and makes it easier to handle. It also seems to last longer and go further. Pine needles might also help around acid-loving rhododendrons, azaleas and hydrangeas. And the best part-- pine straw mulch is more resistant to those pesky insects we hate known as termites.

If you have not started this task of mulching yet maybe it's time. As a Realtor, I see it all. My biggest pet peeve is when I see what looks like a mountain of mulch around the base of a tree. Imagine this (as seen in the photo below) in a yard!

Not only is it not a pleasing look (I think of gigantic ant beds) but it can actually be harmful to your tree.

This is how we mulch around an existing tree:

1. Use shovel to clear out the area around your tree. Go out as far as you think is attractive.

2. Lay down about 2 inches of mulch and make sure you go back and watch for any grass or weeds you might need to dig up.

After the first year or two of keeping the area maintained and putting fresh mulch when needed, the area becomes pretty easy to maintain.

You might ask why mulch? I could go on and on. Not does it only look pleasing to the eye but it is healthy for the tree. There are so many reasons and maybe you can check out this website for some quick and good reasons: https://www.arborday.org/trees/tips/mulching.cfm

There are so many varieties of mulch. You just have to play around with what is eye pleasing to you and what fits your yard. You can easily do a search and get expert advice on different mulches. Once my dad decided to do something different and put black mulch out in all the beds. It was beautiful! The downfall was when the family dog came walking through the house after a morning dew and left black paw prints down the hall and on the carpet. We realized black mulch does not come black without a little dye or I have heard they use coal. Not to fear! If you like the black mulch look eventually the mulch seems to wash clean. So read up and decide what will work best for you and your family.
It's time to get DIRTY!

Banfield Pet Hospital

Taking care of your loved ones is something very important to many people. It could be a parent, grandparent, child, or any other family member. Other family members could include to many your little friend known as a pet. We refer to our dogs as our extended children. Sometimes, they act better than the human children.
From the time our babies (our dogs) were puppies, they had checkups twice a year. This was for them to receive their shots and make sure all was okay with them. When we moved to Clarksville, Tn over 12 years ago, finding a vet was something important to us. We went through three vets before we found the one that make us feel important and not just another number. We use Banfield Pet Hospital at PetSmart.
When we have an issue that arises, we can call and make appointments quickly. Few years ago, as strange as this seems, we had to take our baby, Brady in one evening, due to an injury. While it was late and the vet was closed, they referred us to a 24 hospital. The next day, they called us back to see how all was and kept in touch with us a lot to make sure Brady was doing well. BTW, his injury was, he torn his ACL running through the yard and his paw went in a hole we didn't know about. Never knew dogs could tear their ACLs.
A few years ago, on vacation to Gatlinburg, Brady got sick, and, yes, it was Brady again. LOL. They had a Banfield Pet Hospital there and were able to take him in and they were able to access his records from Clarksville. That was a relief for us. When we returned to Clarksville, we made a follow-up appointment at Banfield Pet Hospital in town, and they saw all that was done for Brady and what medications were given. This saved us from remembering.
Using this Pet Hospital has saved us a lot too. We use their Wellness Program with Dental so help offset costs for visits. Usually vet bills can cost hundreds of dollars while paying a monthly fee, it cost next to nothing to bringing them in twice a year for checkups.
Today was Marley checkup day. They did bloodwork, physical exam, fecal sample, internal organ function screen, and she received 5 vaccines. . Normally it would cost us 448.31 but today I only paid 19.97 but that was because of something extra she received outside of plan.
Banfield is a place that has warm staff and a clean environment. Each time we have to head into there, I feel safe and secure that my baby receives the gentleness and love they deserve. Brady and Marley are usually not sure about being there. The staff though talks to them and makes them feel safe. Whenever, I have a question about the well being of my babies, the Vet and/or staff makes me feel like the question is an important one. We are very happy to have this Pet Hospital as an option for us in Clarksville. I would recommend it to anyone.

My babies

Every tree has a story

Have you ever stood in front of a 100 year old tree in awe? Have you ever wondered who planted that old magnolia in the yard or the towering oak you admire every fall with its firey red leaves?

I have been looking around the yard and thinking about what a garden club member told me over 15 years ago. She told me plant your trees now! She said, "Don't wait till you are older like me and wish you had planted more years ago". Her point was to plant them so that you can enjoy them for years to come. I am glad I took her advice. I really looked up to her as she had the most beautiful yard! This sweet lady would have myself and my daughter over just to show us her gardens. She was in walking distance and Ashley adored her and I know she loved seeing my little 4 year daughter admiring her gardens. She had a rose garden with various colors and names protected from the deer and she had flowers galore. To this day Ashley, now a 20 years old still recalls the rose garden.

After the words of wisdom from this dedicated gardener I started on my tree planting journey. Tim and I planted Dogwoods of different shades and variety, Crepe Myrtles of all colors, Oak trees, Maple trees, a Magnolia, Cherry, Crabapple, Japanese Maples, Red Buds and I could go on and on! Many of the trees we planted survived and some did not. Many times it would be our own fault for not keeping the deer away. Time taught us lessons and we eventually would have a tree to survive spots we never could. Other times we gave up and planted shrub.

Now that I am older, I am thankful for the advice given to me. I have a variety of trees I enjoy at different times of the year. Some trees bloom and others change colors. Some are for shade and others for their petite style. A word of advice when planting a tree, be sure you are clear of water lines and power lines! Do not get to close to your home or you will be trimming limbs all the time. As someone who has lived in the same house for nearly nineteen years I admire the older trees that were once planted by a previous owner. I take pride in the trees we planted that now tower up into the skies above.... Never will you regret planting a tree.

Try to plant some trees that will give your heart a smile in the Fall. I am so grateful that in the 60's these beautiful trees were planted and survive still today.

Plant trees along streams and walkways to give a natural look to a landscape. Not too close!

The once flowering cherry only survived 5 years before it started to look pitiful and die.

When we first moved to our home we planted a weeping cherry tree. One of my favorites! To this day we are still enjoying the pink blooms every spring.

Crepe myrtles come in all sizes. I had no clue what I was doing when I planted several around the yard. All survived and many have become much larger than expected. They make a statement of beauty more than once a year.

This is one of my favorite smaller trees. If I remember correctly this in the Red Dragon. Planted 10 years or more ago as a small twig.

When Ashley was a little girl we planted one dogwood just for her.

She named it Lucy. A couple years later we added another. Dogwoods seem to do well in twos or threes. I love the cluster of white mixed with pink blooms!

Another type of Japanese maple.This is probably the most stunning tree in the Spring. We planted it as a twig. This one is no dwarf. It is several feet tall and breath taking!

Straight ahead are the Pansy Leaf red Buds. They are amazing! In the spring we enjoy blooms and then to see the beautiful dark pansy shaped leaves add so much beautiful color to the yard.

Pansy leaf redbud in the fall.

The same pansy leafed red buds in bloom early spring.

Public Library

Clarksville Montgomery County Public Library is a must go to place in our town. Located near downtown in Veterans Plaza, offers many things to do for families. It has a story hour for young children, teen programs, and there are even times where parents with infants can go and sit and listen to stories or music. Summer programs are also available. There is a Genealogy section if you want to find your family ancestry. You may volunteer there and help out the community. Computers are available to use. You can also download books to E-Readers. They also have movies you may check out. They is study rooms, if you wish to work with out disturbance. The library has many more things to do. Go to the link here to check it out: https://mcgtn.org/library

I would recommend visiting the public library. It has offered many fun times with my family. I took my daughter, Kiana there when she was younger for story hour. She would listen to stories and sometimes they brought live animals. This made her day! When Megan had her senior prom, we able to take some prom photos there. On that night, we had a tornado warning and the staff place us in the children story room. We were able to get lots of photos to remember forever. This is a wonderful place and a wonderful staff!

The Earth Laughs In Flowers

Today might be overcast and rainy, but that is the best time to be outside weeding. Tim and I take the rainy breaks to look out and feel pleased that after near nineteen years we have worked tirelessly in the yard, making it our very own vacation spot. And we’re still making progress every year. Some ideas we try work out and others fail. When it comes to your hopes of having that perfect flower garden or the best lawn, you can have never stop dreaming. Part of the fun is change. I have enjoyed some fabulous seasons where my gardens looked amazing as well as others when spring came and my beautiful plants had not survived the winter. My heart would sink during those years! Although I was pretty heartbroken, I would never go back and undo the enjoyment I had—the planting and all the care I put into it has always been worth it. Those times are what make gardening an ever changing activity and an absolute pleasure.

The happiness a garden of any kind can bring, those memories of my childhood watching dad hold up those big red tomatoes he grew or mom bragging about the ever blooming hibiscus she brought back from my great Aunt’s garden in Alabama! Gardening memories go on forever and “decorate your soul”.

A little advice from someone who has gardened for all her adult life: be sure before you start a garden spot you plan it out carefully. I have learned that when it says ‘give this plant space’ you need to give it space. I used to want my gardens full right now! I would look at that tiny plant and decide I needed more in that spot. Three years later, I would find myself digging up that same plant to stop the overtaking of a perennial nightmare. Sometimes that nightmare never leaves. Years ago, while enjoying my time in a local garden club, I was given a plant that I was told was a beautiful ground cover. It was this tiny light green variegated ground cover. This plant was so small I felt secure it would never be too much for the spot behind our new pond. Besides, I needed to fill that area and I was so impatient back then! It is now a nightmare. I enjoyed it for a while, but after about fourteen years I despised it! My sweet husband Tim is always having to go out there, pulling it and trimming it up and never has complained. I am sure as time goes on it will be a real pain in our backs—literally! But there is no excuse these days. You can get on the internet and find out pretty quick what a plants future will be. So always study up on that plant you are not sure of!

Something you might take into consideration along with the pride is that gardening gives you plenty of exercise. You get a great work out and your Fitbit will love you for all those steps you take. So don’t let gardening scare you and don’t worry about having a green thumb! Anyone can garden, and you can even be creative. Like anything else it just takes time. The best part is you can go on the internet and copy other garden ideas! Just be sure you are studying up on what grows best in your location and the space in your yard.

I hope this motivates you to get out there and create some curb appeal. The homes we lived in and sold always sold because of the yard we kept. So as crazy as it seems it can be money in the bank!

Liberty Park

Clarksville has many wonderful and beautiful parks to offer to our community. One of them is Liberty Park. It is located near the river and has lots of things to do. It has a pond where you go fishing year-round, a playground for the children to play, an exercise area, a dog park, miles and miles of walking trails, a boat marina, and many picnic areas. Turtles, Geese, and Ducks are some wildlife you may see. My family and I bring our dogs down here to walk them during the warm months to get them out. you will find many families out here. This is truly a beautiful area and hope to see you there.

lets have a chat

Hi! Lets have a seat and let me tell you a little about myself. My name is Roberta Jenkins and I was born and raised in Connecticut. While I LOVE the Autumn season, I do not miss the snow. I have been happily married to a wonderful man name David Jenkins for 27 years. He retired from the US Army after serving for 21 years. He currently works on Fort Campbell as a Federal Employee.
I have 3 amazing children. Michael, who is 26 years old, lives in Texas. Megan, 25 years old lives in Clarksville. And the youngest, Kiana, 20 years, also lives in Clarksville. She is currently a student at APSU. All three are graduates of Clarksville High School. My other two beautiful babies are Brady, 5 years and Marley, 4 years. They are Shelties and keep us busy with all their energy.
Now you ask how, if I am from Connecticut, how did I arrive here? Well as I said before, Dave was in the military. This had us moving from various places to here. We went from Fort Ord California to Kaiserslautern Germany to Fort Leavenworth Kansas to Fort Campbell. While this may be not many moves, I undersand the stress of moving.
Before I became a Realtor, I had some wonderful jobs. For 13 years, I ran a Family Home Daycare for the military. I loved that job. Next, I worked for CMCSS (Clarksville Montgomery County School System). I was an Educational Assistant for 10 years at New Providence Middle School. This job too I absolutely loved. Then, as I realized my children were about grown, I decided I wanted to start a new chapter in my life. This is how I became a Realtor. It is something amazing to do and I love helping people find the homes for them and their families. Also, being able to help a seller sell their home so they too can move to new place, is wonderful too. I know I am going to love this job for a long time.
Some of my favorite things to do is reading, hanging out with family, friends and the dogs, traveling, walking, finding new adventures and meeting new people.
Well that is little about me. I look forward to getting to know you.

Just a little info about me :)

Let me introduce myself. My name is Pam and I am a Realtor in Clarksville, Tennessee. This blog is all about life in this town I love, and the home you might dream of creating here. I'll tell you all about our community, churches, activities, hobbies and just anything else that makes life wonderful! My team and I will share our own homes and ideas, families and hobbies, days on the job and everything that makes Clarksville Homes to us. I have lived here most my childhood and all my adult life. I went to school here and married here. My husband Tim is retired from the 160th and is now employed by the US Army. He loves his job and is also a Cash team member, responsible for all of our listing advertisement-- he is very good at it!

I have been in Real Estate for 11 years, but there was another me before I became a Realtor. I was once a small business owner in Clarksville, and I started at the young age of nineteen with a ceramic shop in the 80's and I kept that going for twenty years! I met so many people and enjoyed that part of my job. I guess that is what made this once shy kid become a people person. I took a second job as a Longaberger consultant where I met even more people and felt a calling to always work with people no matter what!

I retired my ceramic business and took a nice break around 2004. Not but two years later I found my calling in real estate.

Some of my favorite things to do are gardening, scrapbooking, and I just started quilting. My family and I love going to car shows together and working out at the local YMCA.