Lakewood Heights Neighborhood Association

LHNA Yard of the Month

By Marian Buchanan, Yard of the Month Chairman

April 2007 - Imagine a garden with a picket fence, loads of charm, and owners named Winner—and you have Lakewood Heights’ April Yard of the Month for 2007. Rachel and Kevin Winner, who have lived at 6258 Lakeshore for two years, are enthusiastic about sharing this space with their neighbors and their two affable yellow Labs, Avery and Riley. Rachel stays in shape teaching fourth grade at Dan D. Rogers Elementary, and running marathons. Kevin’s talent for designing and gardening comes naturally—he works in the family business, Techscape Landscape Services. So it’s no wonder that Kevin has chosen some challenging or unusual plants: pink dogwood, camellia, hostas, Zoysia grass. More familiar beauties are ‘Bloodgood’ Japanese Maple, ‘Don Juan’ and ‘Knockout’ roses, dianthus, alyssum and bulbs galore. The garden has become an extension of the home, a place for the dogs to play, a cutting garden for indoor bouquets, and a visual treat for all of us to enjoy. Stop by for a look!

May 2007

Sometimes a Yard of the Month isn’t a “yard” at all—it’s a waterwise garden – enjoyed by Pat and David Dartez at 6237 Llano. These savvy gardeners won’t be hearing the sound of a lawnmower, since they have no “lawn.” Instead, they’ll enjoy the splashing of a lovely fountain and the chirping of birds that come to drink and bathe. Pat and David came to Lakewood Heights last summer by way of Colorado, where they were used to a short growing season, beautiful vistas and hiking trails. Since moving here, they have designed and installed a handsome low water use garden, removed Bermuda grass, added organic soil and placed 12 tons of rocks and boulders! (Some of those rocks were brought from Colorado, even though the movers thought the idea was crazy.) The plant selections are excellent examples of low water use and low maintenance plants—something we should all aspire to, with our frequent drought conditions. So stop by and toss a penny in the fountain—Pat and David keep a large bowl of coins on the front porch for family and friends. Make a wish that our gardens will continue to grow!

June and July 2007

June’s Yard of the Month rolls out the welcome mat, from the street right to the front door. Long-time residents of Lakewood Heights, Terry Vandygriff and Ron Spear have created an eye-catching cottage style garden that complements their home at 6254 Velasco. Many of the flowering plants lining the curved wooden walkway are tough perennials and natives: salvias, daylilies, liatris, lantana and butterfly bushes. Other plants are heat tolerant annuals and tropicals: hibiscus, Esperanza, summer snapdragon. Sturdy “passalong” plants, gifts from friends and neighbors, add their beauty: perennial poinsettia, cannas, a huge umbrella-shaped wisteria in the back yard. For June’s winners, the art of gardening is both therapeutic and nostalgic—both of their mothers were accomplished gardeners. Terry and Ron have passed this love of gardening on by reviving the Lakewood Heights Yard of the Month program – thanks to them both! Their home garden is continually evolving. As Ron explained, “Our garden is a work-in-progress.” We would all hope to be so inspired.

July’s Yard of the Month is made for the shade. Even with temperatures soaring, the garden at 6223 Marquita looks cool under the canopy of a huge red oak tree. The owners of this refreshing space are David and Susan Devlin, their two year old daughter Lily and contented cat Sam. Graceful curving beds and walkways define the yard. Plantings focus on shade-lovers: hostas, hydrangeas, ‘Encore’ azaleas, Japanese maples and loads of sherbet colored impatiens. David, a degreed landscape architect from Northern Ireland and owner of Scapes Inc., has great advice for local gardeners. “Bed preparation is the most important aspect of successful gardening.” He follows his own advice by slightly berming the soil for better drainage and using special mixes for the acid-loving plants. “Take time to plan before planting, and think about the function of your space—how your family will use it.” This charming family enjoys the full yard, including a wonderful outdoor “room” behind the house, complete with fireplace, covered bar and cooking area!