This front yard is simple, elegant, and colorful. Even the colors in the roof line seem to coordinate. There are many mixtures of colors that seem to be fresh as spring even with the heat we have had in Virginia this July.
Sheila’s primary tip to keeping the blooms looking fresh is Bloom Booster by Scotts. The front yard includes a variety of petunias, marigolds, nandina, boxwood and spirea. The perfect mix of annuals with the different shades of green in perennials is a key factor in making the yard stand out.
Large pots with tall grass like plants to anchor and colorful blooms around them along the property line, and on each side of the garage door, give a welcoming atmosphere. Sheila and Daniels back yard is truly a ‘tropical island oasis’ complete with a hammock. Lots of shade trees, colorful flowers in pots, and various seating areas certainly make you feel like you are on vacation. (The back yard is not used in judging the YOTM; it’s just a perk of the job). The grass in the yard is perfectly maintained and edged making this property an eye catching “postage stamp” in the community.
The Grounds Committee really enjoys the opportunity to honor our residents who find the time to beautify our community with such incredible yard work. The drive through to pick “The Yard of the Month” is usually during the last full week of the month. The criteria for picking a yard is based on the front yard only. We look for 1.) Overall turf health/nice balance of green, and well manicured grass, 2.) Shrub maintance and grooming, 3.) Color/flowers being used to enhance the overall curb appeal.
Sheila and Daniel will have a “Yard of the Month” sign in the front of their house for a month and will also receive a $25. Lowes gift card.
We know gardening is not everyone’s forte and also that some residents are not able to do the work themselves or do not have the time. We also realize that some sections of the community do not have front yards conducive to a lot of landscaping or planting, in particular those who might have very small front yards. We do absolutely drive down every street in every section. It takes several hours driving, taking notes, and going back to houses on our ‘stand out list’ to pick a house. We would love to have recommendations if you see a house worthy in the neighborhood that you feel meets the criteria, even your own yard!!! Please send your recommendations to [email protected].