Amazing Space: A cozy garden retreat

Home and Garden

Amazing Space: A cozy garden retreat

Empty-nesters Tom and Dana Curtis shed their suburban Gwinnett County life in favor of this quaint Decatur estate — and quickly started transforming the garden.

Nine years ago, empty-nesters Tom and Dana Curtis shed their suburban Gwinnett County life in favor of this quaint Decatur estate. They quickly took to upping their curb appeal by replacing stone walkways in the front yard with brick. They also added rich beds of rosemary, boxwoods, lamb's ear and hydrangea.

"We love this house. It's absolutely what we dreamed of," said Dana Curtis, shown with her husband Tom. When not working together on their garden, the couple tends to their company, Anita's Paint Products.

The couple's backyard has an expansive stone patio. They believe it once housed the area's largest Scarlet oak tree, with branches that stretched over the house into the front yard. After the tree died and was removed, the Curtis' "shade garden became a sun garden," Tom said. Some of the hostas and hydrangeas suffered in the full-sun, so now they grow tomatoes instead.

Dana Curtis snips flowers year-round from her garden to make centerpieces and bouquets for friends. When her eldest daughter married, she hosted a tea party and gave away teacups filled with flowers from the garden.

The Curtises said this pond is original to the 1920s home. It was eventually filled in, but previous owners brought the pond back to life.

This Japanese maple, perched atop the pond, is several decades old.

The backyard has a number of seating vignettes, including this funky stone picnic area by the pond. This pint-size area may be best for future grandchildren. "When I have a grandbaby, I plan to get him or her out in the soil as soon as possible," Dana said. Tom quickly adds, "I'm ready for that. Then I can go inside."

An outdoor living room provides the perfect view of their backyard. The couple entertains regularly in this comfortable space.

Dana Curtis said after her mother passed away three years ago, friends surprised her with this bench in her honor.

"I feel closest to her when I'm out here," Curtis said.

This pond-side outdoor nook is the perfect breakfast spot.

"Hydrangeas are my love," Curtis said. Her garden is filled with such varieties as 'Penny Mac,' 'Annabelles,' and 'All Summer Beauty.'

Curtis shies away from using many annuals, save for this colorful container garden. In the front garden, she opts for bulbs in the spring and roses for summer splash.

Five years ago the couple installed a formal corner space for Dana's favorite fountain. Diamond-shaped beds of mondo grass and an arbor strung with Confederate jasmine add a formal feel to the space.

Curtis found this angel sculpture about 15 years ago and brought it from Gwinnett. She had the piece converted into a water fountain.

"I don't like totally formal," Curtis said. She likes to combine wrought iron and boxwoods with relaxed features like this weathered birdcage.

The Curtises built this carriage house for guest lodging and storage. "It reminds me of Charleston," Dana Curtis said.

This hosta-lined walk leads around the carriage house and fountain to a shade garden at the back of the property.

Dana Curtis' potting shed is tucked away in the back of the carriage house.

1/19

Nine years ago, empty-nesters Tom and Dana Curtis shed their suburban Gwinnett County life in favor of this quaint Decatur estate. They quickly took to upping their curb appeal by replacing stone walkways in the front yard with brick. They also added rich beds of rosemary, boxwoods, lamb's ear and hydrangea.

Today's Gallery Headlines

cedar grove, cairo

Photos: Cedar Grove defeats Cairo in first round of state tournament

Salem Campground Covington

PHOTOS: See the 'Places in Peril' across Georgia for 2026

Autotrader 400

PHOTOS: Tyler Reddick wins again at Autotrader 400

Allyson Phillips (center), Laken Riley’s mother, prays at UGA’s Tate Plaza on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, during a memorial service for her daughter. Riley was attacked on Feb. 22, 2024 while running in Oconee Forest Park on the UGA campus and killed. (C.J. Bartunek for the AJC)

PHOTOS: Hundreds honor Laken Riley with 5K, memorial on UGA campus