Driving through Sharon and Tom Rachow’s St. Joseph neighborhood, one townhouse blends into another. That is, until you reach the Rachow residence.

The townhouse resembles the rest, but it’s the flowers, greenery and the statuary that make the Rachow house stand out, that gives it a “look-at-that” appeal.

There’s a regal dog statue, complete with colorful “collar” guarding the front door. But the statue of a mother gleefully swinging her child around in a circle is the showstopper.

“I wanted that in the front yard because it’s so cool,” Sharon says, adding that people actually stop to take photos of the statue.

But while the front of the house is cool, the back could be described as a treasure.

“I love a small yard,” Sharon says, as she leads the way through her home to the backyard.

Stepping onto the terra-cotta-colored stone stoop, it’s easy to see why. The backyard is smaller than many people’s decks, but it’s packed with appeal.

“It’s like another room of the house,” Sharon says.

She’s right.

Stepping out into the garden, the eye is immediately drawn to a hot pink swing tucked into one corner. Throw pillows add a homey touch, and the lettering on the swing proclaims that this is “Sharon’s Secret Garden.”

Like the swing, the secret garden is drenched in color.

“Color is music,” Sharon says.

The color is not just courtesy of the flowers, trees and plants. Planters, plaques, such as the bold colored sun hanging on the fence, banners, signs, a painted tricycle and even a gold griffin and a terra-cotta griffin grace the small space. Rope lights that go along the fence and are set on a timer add their own color at night.

A three-tiered stone fountain pops with the addition of bright blue gazing balls floating in the water. Even the table and chairs, with their navy blue webbing, that Sharon’s had since 1982, and the silver barbecue grill are at home in the small space.

Although mixing a myriad of mediums, Sharon’s secret garden feels like a sanctuary, a place to retreat and recharge. Most importantly, it doesn’t feel cramped or claustrophobic. It just feels right.

There are a variety of plants, including hosta, and flowers, such as lilies. Most are perennials and come up year after year. There are even trees in the Sharon’s secret garden. Only the tropical hibiscus trees have to be stored for the winter. Otherwise, the garden requires very little work.

“I plant for her,” Tom says.

Sharon adds that he also does the watering and moving of the statuary for his wife. He enjoys the garden, as well.

Sharon says that although she considers the garden full, if something catches her eye, it may wind up in her secret garden. She also says that people shouldn’t be afraid to experiment. After all, that’s how Sharon’s secret garden grows.

Lifestyles reporter Cathy Woolridge can be reached at cathyw@npgco.com