The Collington Grounds Committee “Yard of the Month” award, for the month of May, has been presented to Don and Michelle Hines of 11215 Longtown Drive.
Don and Michelle have lived in Collington for 6 years. Don, a military veteran, and his wife Michelle have certainly found what works best in their yard, as it is beautiful throughout the season. Dons’ tips include, watering twice a day, especially with the heat we have already experienced, and feeding perennials and annuals every two weeks.
This established yard is very well maintained and groomed from the perennial shrubs down to the grass. Included in the front yard are: evergreen shrubs of different shades, dark pink Drift and Knockout Roses (which bloom first in the season), and Abelia, which are whitish pink in color and bloom after the roses start to fade. A white Crepe Myrtle in the center of the front yard sets the tone highlighting the potted geraniums framing the front porch. Evergreens and tall grasses highlight other parts of the yard without overcrowding or making the yard to busy. This is a beautiful ‘postage stamp’ on our community.
Don and Michelle will have the “Yard of the Month” sign in their yard till the end of June and received a $25. Lowes Gift Card.
Honorable mentions this month (who are still eligible for the award through out the season) include: 10012 Paddockwood Terrace, 14549 Parracombe Lane, 14531 Forest Row Trail, and 15012 Wooferton Drive.
As usual the Yard of the Month Award is difficult to choose as it takes quite a bit of time and there are so many beautiful yards throughout Collington. The committee members truly enjoy the opportunity to honor our residents who beautify our community with such incredible yard work. The YOTM is chosen during the last few weeks of May, June, July, August, September, October (fall décor). The criteria for picking are 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. Once a resident receives the award they are not eligible again for two years. YOTM for December is a Holiday Award and has its own criteria for Classic and Festive décor, both chosen in December.
To find additional gardening tips, ideas for your own yard, and pictures of past award winning yards, go to collingtonhoa.com, committees/grounds/yard of the month.
We know gardening is not everyone’s forte and also that some residents are not able to do the work themselves or do not 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 of 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 that you feel meets the criteria, even your own yard!!! Please send your recommendations to [email protected].