By Stephen Dawkins
Visit Annette and Lamar Barrett’s home, just off Highway 145, and it’s easy to forget you’re at a residence in Clanton.
The Barretts live on three acres of beauty: manicured lawn, blooming flowers and rare trees.
“I don’t live next to the botanical gardens, it just feels that way,” neighbor Jimmy Smith said about a home that was one of the recipients of the city of Clanton’s Beautification Awards.
Originally from Chilton County, the Barretts moved to Pine Cone Circle in 1969. While they always took pride in their home, the current layout of their yard started taking shape in 1982, after an ice storm killed many plants and trees.
The couple have been working ever since to create the yards of their dreams. One visiting their home would have a hard time believing the Barretts haven’t enlisted the help of professional landscapers.
“You’re looking at it,” Lamar Barrett said about he and his wife when asked who was responsible for all of the work.
Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of the Barretts’ masterpiece are the concrete waterfalls utilized througout the property.
Lamar Barrett worked with Brice Building Company for 48 years and amassed a wealth of experience with concrete. He even was granted a patent for a “concrete delivery trolley” he developed for use on commercial projects.
So, Barrett created forms for and poured concrete for several waterfalls.
Lamar Barrett’s creations further a perception that the Barretts’ home is a Garden of Eden—right in the middle of Clanton.
It’s a home that has been the site of a wedding, caused neighbors to simply shake their heads instead of try to keep up—and caused visitors’ jaws to drop.