CityView Magazine

20 | September/October 2016 Frank Moorman also had a gate when they lived on Magnolia Avenue, which they gied to us so that both of our daughters will have a Kyle House gate of their own one day. We are most grateful for their thought- fulness and kindness," said Edwina. Well Seasoned In all months of the year, the Kyle house is attrac- tive. On hot summer days, spiral cut shrubs frame the front porch, a thoughtful addition made to add inter- est to the simplistic original style of the home. A com- bination of expertly-trimmed green hedges and bright white lattice accent fencing frame the cottage and cre- ate the intimate look for which Edwina strives. A dense colony of ostrich fern, cultivated from fronds given to Edwina from her stepmother, covers the side yard and provides refuge to pouncing neigh- borhood cats. "You know how they say that the first year, a plant sleeps, then the following year it creeps, then the third year it leaps? at fern was never sleepy," she laughed. is fall, Edwina plans to incorporate a surprising element in her harvest time display: croton. A shrub, generally enjoyed as a houseplant, is known for its foli- age of vibrant red, orange, yellow and green. Pump- kins, gourds and bittersweet will round out her natural fall décor. The Tree Paradoxically, the Kyle yard is the subject of much attention in the winter months, as it is home to a Japa- nese cherry tree fast becoming a heart-of-Fayetteville landmark. Aer a brief but beautiful blooming in the spring, which Jim joked lasts "about 24 hours," the tree truly comes to life aer every leaf has fallen – some- time in November. For the past six years, each branch has been meticu- lously adorned with white lights. "We just made the switch to LED," said Edwina, who hopes the change will decrease maintenance. Each year, adjustments must be made to account for tree growth and to re- place past-their-prime strands. Currently, refurbish- ing takes a day, but the result is Fayetteville fame. While the Kyles occasionally field requests to leave the tree illuminated throughout the year, the bulbs are mostly obscured by foliage in warmer months. However, anyone who knows Edwina—the consum- mate Southern matriarch—will correctly surmise that exceptions to the rule are made frequently. Joyous oc- casions, most recently in celebration of a neighbor's summer wedding, always warrant a lighting for the delight of their friends and family, whose happiness she and Jim value so deeply. "People tell us they drive down the street just to look at the tree," Edwina said. "We never expected that. We love the joy that it brings everyone." CV Top: Gold venetian masks purchased in Charleston, an Egyptian carving found in Pinehurst and other accents. "If it brings me that much enjoyment, I find a place for it," Edwina says. Bottom: A peaceful garden path and the famous Kyle cherry tree lit on a winter's eve.

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