Intermingled among homes that look like they are going to fall off of their foundations sits the house of Stephanie Smith and Robin Keene. It is a strong and sturdy structure built of bricks and mortar. It is coddled and cared for, as are a peppering of homes in the area, as a resurgence of reinvesting in this neighborhood is evident. This home shines like a beacon for what strong bones, unlimited imagination and sweat equity can achieve.

It is an enormous, towering brick façade that is perched atop a substantial mound that greets those who visit, a true presence. But follow the curving path past the trickling fountain and the stone bench and you are transformed to a world of intimacy. A quaint, small space that is crammed full of interesting artifacts, plants, a water feature and mementos that reflect the inhabitants of this mighty home.

It feels as if you have stepped into a spa, the ultimate city retreat. This is quite a feat considering that one of the busiest streets in Kansas City is just over the fence and past the neighbor’s parking lot. But Keene had a vision. While attending a water garden society tour Robin experienced her first brush with a water garden. She states, “I’m high strung. I don’t sit, I don’t stop, and I’m constantly moving. But those gardens made me relax and be still and Stephanie came up to me and said, ‘We have to create this for you.’”

After that landscaping became a passion for Keene, she says, “I have an addiction, I cannot stop buying plants and visiting nurseries, hardware stores or anywhere that sells plants.” Not a bad vice to have and Keene clearly has a knack for it. Her backyard oasis looks as if it was designed and installed by a professional, she admits her neighbor-friend and landscaper, John Buford, was a big help and instigator in discovering how to transform their small, flat, lifeless yard into a haven.

The fence is lined with junipers who resemble bigger-than-life soldiers standing at attention, guarding the dozens of goldfish that splash and swish through the water. The impact of the waterfall cascading down and making contact with various rocks jutting out filters the sounds of the city just beyond the soldiers and the wooden walls. Every little space is occupied with objects that are obviously adored, architectural pieces, rusty old garden tools line part of the fence, a child’s wooden desk from days gone by invites a visitor to sit and be.

The focal point of the garden is the large water feature which has Thalia, Lotus, Elephant Ear, water iris, cannas and water lilies to name a few of the flora bursting with various textures. The fish bob and weave between the plants and a few are practically tame. Keene say’s, “Our pet fish, Rowena, will actually jump up out of the water and onto Stephanie’s hand offering her lips for a kiss.” Or maybe Rowena is just thanking her owners for a fun and whimsical space to be a fish.