Today was a cool, wet fall walk in the Crestwood area, just south of the Arboretum. Houses here were nearly universally well-kept, with lots of sprawling ranch houses on large lots. With Thanksgiving behind us and a nice weekend, Christmas decorations are now clearly present. It’s an interesting time of year, as seasonal decorations, and especially “holiday season” decorations, provide a unique opportunity for residents to address the street. While landscaping can provide expression, but seasonal decorations can provide a more positive expression of welcoming. On a chilly, dark afternoon, there are a few things that can make a house look welcoming. It felt like just about any seasonal decoration will do this, but evidence of life behind doors–lights in windows, also helps. This neighborhood did feel warm today–not just the houses, but the presence of a lot of people on the street, walking dogs or just out for a casual stroll, made this possible.
Tag Archives: Bellefonte
Day 121-Behind the Arboretum
This route went through the Shadeland neighborhood, next to the Arboretum on the Tate’s Creek side. This area was dominated by sprawling ranch homes with large lots. Only the portion of this route along Bellefonte has sidewalks, providing a nice contrast between the two areas. Sidewalks don’t necessarily create a sense of safety here as they might along busier streets, but they do alter the relationship of houses and yards to the street. This neighborhood connects directly to the Arboretum and I’ve been anxious to walk through these areas. What must it be like to have the Arboretum in your backyard? Some green thumbs are in evidence. One of my favorite yards included the orange shrub pictured here.