June 2017

​The June Collington Yard of the Month is awarded to Jerry Whitaker of 9900 Brading Lane. His front porch welcomes you to the sound of twin fountains and boxes of pink geraniums.  He also has 5 more fountains gurgling in the back yard and deck, which are visible from Forrest Row Trail on this corner lot. His tip for fellow gardeners is to properly prepare the soil when putting in a new bed.   This may mean replacing the clay soil with garden soil, sand and humus mixture 12 to 14 inches down.  If that is not possible try loosening the soil with lime, humus/manure mixture and garden sand.  You can also top off established beds with the same amendments. This certainly paid off for Jerry as his beds are full of thriving evergreen shrubs and lots of blooming bulbs and colorful annuals. Jerry’s careful planning allows for succession of blooms throughout the season—pansies, azaleas, geraniums, calla lilies, dahlias, daises, peonies, knock out roses and other annuals.  Jerry also put in 3 April blooming and 3 June blooming dogwoods for extended bloom time.  His deck is afforded privacy with 2 stunning Blood-good Japanese Maples.  His lawn is weed free, well trimmed, always cut and he does it all himself. He has been at this residence for 10 years and his neighbors appreciate his passion for a beautiful yard.