YARD OF THE MONTH – SEPTEMBER
By Gloria (Glo) Thompson
Congratulations to Genifer and John Best, homeowners of the Arlington Heights Neighborhood Association (AHNA)) September Yard of the Month (YOTM)! Their home is at 4221 Birchman.
John, a native of New Jersey, and Genifer, a Fort Worth AND Arlington Heights native, have two children, daughter Rainey, five years old, and son Brennan, ten years old.
John noted that Genifer lived in four different homes on the same block of Birchman and has basically lived there most of her life, as have many of her relatives.
John, a graduate of Northwestern University, works as a construction supervisor. Genifer, a Texas A&M graduate, teaches art at the Fort Worth Independent School District’s Alice B. Carlson Applied Learning Center.
John does his own gardening and has a goal of making their yard colorful. He also tries to have it look unique, rather than too similar to other neighbors’ yards. John enjoys gardening and likes to have a good mix of shrubs, trees, and colorful flowers.
John’s interest in gardening comes from his father who, John said, “had a major green thumb. Each Saturday morning, the ritual was to go out and work in the garden, whether you wanted to or not.” His father had a vegetable garden, herbs, roses and various other plants. John says his father truly got him interested in gardening and John has continued to put what he learned into practice.
Currently, John and Genifer have dogwood trees that are 40-50 years old in their yard. They also have wax bushes, fern, five gallon box holly bushes and other hearty bushes. “We also like the native bushes and shrubs,” John says. However, he notes that they are especially proud of the dogwoods.
In the future, John says there will soon be more autumn color in their yard since he tries to have some seasonal changes in color. He also said that he tried adding some monkey grass and vines, but, “they do creep up so fast that it can be really difficult to control them and I’m not planning to plant any more of them.”
When asked what he likes most about gardening, John said, “It’s relaxing and gives me some down time.”
What does John like least: “Mowing! It takes a lot of time!”
John’s one gardening tip for someone just starting: “Condition the soil. My father used a peat moss and cow manure recipe and I’ve followed his lead on that. I believe in using natural products for gardening. In fact, I use a formula of corn meal and molasses on my grass rather than fertilizer you buy in stores. It gives it a shock at the start of the growing season and it’s all natural. The grass grows well and stays very healthy.”
In addition to having the AHNA Yard of the Month sign in his front yard during September, John will receive a $25 gift certificate for Archie’s Gardenland.
YARD OF THE MONTH – AUGUST 2010
By Gloria (Glo) Thompson
Meet Jean Longspaugh, neighbor and owner of the Arlington Heights Neighborhood Association (AHNA) August 2010 Yard of the Month (YOTM) at 3832 Collinwood Ave.
A native of Long Island, New York, Jean has been in Texas for 42 years and really enjoys it. She retired from Cook Children’s Medical Center a year ago after 20 years of service. She has two married sons, one in Fort Worth and one in Washington State, and four young granddaughters.
Jean notes that when she first bought her Arlington Heights home seven years ago, the yard was barren. Since then, she developed a plan for her “cottage garden” and the overall appearance of her yard. She began with a small rosemary plant that grew in a tiny pot and is now so large, she has to really stretch to keep it trimmed.
Jean also planted catnip that both her white Persian cat and her King Charles Spaniel puppy enjoy. Her yard includes antique roses, various seasonal vegetables and herbs, as well as asters, lantana, turk’s cap, and other plants that are well acclimated to the Texas heat. Jean planted a blueberry bush this past year and enjoyed fresh blueberries from it. She plans to add a few more blueberry bushes for next year. She likes to have plants, flowers and vegetables that are seasonal to keep her yard looking attractive year-round.
Jean does all her own gardening and is an organic gardener, using all natural products, including coffee grounds, banana peels and other natural composts.
When asked how she became interested in gardening, Jean credits her parents who had a “Victory Garden” as a necessity when she was young, but continued it as a family activity to enjoy over the years. Jean also quotes a sign in her yard, “He who plants a garden, plants sunshine.” She loves watching the many birds, butterflies and squirrels that her yard attracts.
What does Jean like most about gardening? “Just being close to nature.”
What does she like least? “When the temperature gets too hot, it really stresses the plants.”
Jean’s one gardening tip for someone just starting: “Go to the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens, (Jean’s a member.), see what grows well and ask for information about what you like. Garden clubs are also another great source for sharing information, whether or not you are a member.”
In addition to having the AHNA Yard of the Month sign in her front yard during August, Jean will receive a $25 gift certificate for Archie’s Gardenland.
JULY YARD OF THE MONTH
By Gloria (Glo) Thompson
If you’ve ever wondered what to plant that will thrive in the diverse North Texas weather, meet Ron Hein. Ron and his spouse Kim are the homeowners awarded the AHNA Yard of the Month for July 2010. They had their home at 3854 Harley built in 2006 and began experimenting with native Texas plants.
Ron, an aircraft mechanic for a company at Meacham Air Field, has lived in Fort Worth and Waco for most of his life. His wife Kim is originally from Indianapolis, Indiana, and is a manager at the U. S. Bureau of Printing and Engraving in Fort Worth. Although Kim helps with gardening decisions, Ron is the primary gardener and truly enjoys it.
Their front yard features a stairway that curves upward and is bordered with flower beds. Ron believes in using native plants first and then adding experimental plants. He said, “I had lantanas last year that were colorful and thriving, but they froze this winter and are just now starting to come back.”
Ron enjoys his yard and particularly likes seeing the bees, birds and butterflies that his garden attracts. He added, “The Monarchs really love the meadow sage!”
Ron has always had an interest in gardening and said his sister and her husband (who is a botanist), especially encouraged him. He is also an avid reader and fan of Neal Sperry.
Currently, Ron has 25 different plants, including zinnias, cannas, rock roses, meadow sage, lilies, salvia, a dwarf pomegranate, dwarf crape myrtles, agave plants, honeysuckle (on his fence), and some chocolate mint ground cover that truly smells like its name. This year he plans to add knockout roses to his garden.
When asked what he likes best about gardening, Ron said,” Getting out and working in the dirt and then seeing the plants grow.” What does he like least? “Mosquitoes!”
Ron’s one gardening tip for someone just starting: “Plant known native Texas plants and they will take care of themselves.”
In addition to having the AHNA Yard of the Month sign in their yard for the month of July, the Heins will receive a $25 gift certificate to Archie’s Gardenland.
JUNE YARD OF THE MONTH
By Gloria (Glo) Thompson
The AHNA Yard of the Month for June 2010 is 1913 Tremont, and owners Jim and Charlotte Norris are delighted! Jim and Charlotte are native Texans from Houston. The young couple both graduated from Texas Christian University (TCU) and enjoyed Fort Worth so much they decided to make their home here.
Charlotte is a speech occupational therapist and Jim works from home for a non-profit organization that helps make prescription drugs and other products more affordable to those who need them.
As first time gardeners in their own home, Jim and Charlotte like to have a lot of color in their yard. The Norris’ front yard sports a border of begonias around the porch, a crape myrtle that attracts birds, and a healthy pecan tree that provides plenty of pecans in season for both birds and neighbors. They also have herbs growing in pots. The herbs can be used for cooking and garnishing as needed.
Although Jim enjoys doing most of the gardening, he does have assistance from Charlotte and from a professional yard person, when needed. Currently, Jim and Charlotte plan to add snapdragons to their yard for additional color.
Jim credits his mother and his spouse for creating his interest in gardening. “My mother helped me get interested because she always kept a nice yard for us and for the neighbors to enjoy — and she encouraged us to do the same. My wife Charlotte loves flowers and always has cut flowers in our home.”
When asked what he likes most about gardening, Jim said “The sense of pride it gives me in having done it and in having it look nice.” What he likes least is summed up in a single word: “ANTS!”
Jim’s one gardening tip to someone just starting: “Pick what you like and keep it simple at first.”
Special note: Jim and Charlotte have a great front porch to watch birds and squirrels and to visit with friends and neighbors.
In addition to having the AHNA Yard of the Month sign in their yard for the month of June, the couple received a $25 gift certificate to Archie’s Gardenland.
MAY 2010 YARD OF THE MONTH
By Gloria (Glo) Thompson
Meet Susan Gill – a native Texan AND a native of Fort Worth! Susan is the “Yard of the Month” (YOTM) winner for the month of May 2010.
Her home at 2224 Western has a terraced front yard that boasts an array of azaleas that add color to the landscape, as well as a sense of order. It also features various other plants, grass and a colorful red leaf maple tree that balances the landscape.
Susan, a 1981 graduate of Texas Christian University (TCU) with a business degree, bought her home four years ago, but previously rented in the area for about 25 years. As an active businesswoman, she doesn’t always have time to garden, but does enjoy it. Azaleas are a favorite of Susan’s as are begonias which she will soon have added to her yard.
She is especially excited about her newest acquisition – a lemon tree that she’s placed in her backyard mecca, where she spends time relaxing and enjoying time with family and friends.
When asked what made her decide on her current front yard garden design, Susan said, “I wanted something that was easy to care for.” Although Susan has a person who helps with her gardening, Susan does make the decisions on what she wants — or doesn’t want. She also decides where she wants her plants, bushes, flowers and other garden accents placed.
Susan credits both her mother and father as her inspiration for gardening, noting, “My mom and dad always kept our yard looking pretty.”
When asked what her most pesky problems with gardening are, Susan quickly replied: “Maintenance and upkeep – they take a lot of time!”
Susan is a busy person but also makes time to substitute teach at classes for two and three year old preschoolers at First United Methodist Church in downtown Fort Worth.
Susan’s gardening tip for someone just starting to garden: “Fertilize and water…fertilize and water…and find a partner or yard person who really enjoys gardening to help you!”
Susan’s home has the AHNA Yard of the Month sign in her front yard for May and she also received a $25 gift card for Archie’s Gardenland.
Congratulations to Susan Gill! Watch for the June winner in the next AHNA newsletter and keep those yards blooming brightly!
FALL-O-WEEN YOTM WINNER
The winner of this year’s Fall-o-Ween Yard of the Month Contest is 4609 Birchman Avenue. The Sanderson family will receive a well-deserved prize from Kay’s Hallmark on Camp Bowie.
VOTE NOW: FALL-O-WEEN YARD OF THE MONTH
See a spooky or festive fall yard? Does your yard stand out among the rest?
Then you may win the Fall-o-Ween Yard of the Month Contest!
Visit the Fall-o-Ween Yard of the month page to vote for your favorite fall-o-ween house. Winners will be announced online the week of November 2 and in the upcoming AHNA Newsletter.
July Yard of the Month
by Tatiana Wicke
Lynda McAdams and Minta Magers at 3934 Birchman are the winners of July’s Yard of the Month.
Minta is a life-long resident of Fort Worth, and Arlington Heights in particular. Her family moved into the ‘big city’ of Fort Worth in 1919 from the small town of Strawn (which is between Fort Worth and Abilene). Minta and her family lived with her Grandmother at the corner of Lowell and Montgomery (where the current Railhead restaurant is now) – they had a water station that serviced the first two streets of the surrounding neighborhood. In the early 1940s Minta’s family built the house next door and Lynda McAdams (then 2-years old) moved in with her family.
Lynda does most of the yard work and gardening for the house. Both of her grandmothers encouraged her to take an interest. Her love of gardening started back in kindergarten when her class planted pinto
beans in wet cotton to start the plants growing. She eventually brought the bean plants home and her father made her a space in the backyard to plant her beans.
Lynda recently retired from a local green house (where she worked for the last 10-years) and enjoyed bringing home new plants and flowers from work to plant in her garden. She used to rely on books for her gardening research and now watches a lot of gardening shows to learn new techniques. One tip? She uses banana peels to keep her roses happy and health! The roses are Minta’s favorite part of the garden.
Lynda prefers plants that grow in full-sun – the yard includes Banana trees, Cherry Tomato plants, Luna Hibiscus, Lilies, Bluebonnets, Larkspur, and Daisies. Lynda has a special fondness for the Esperanza flowers and the Bee Balms, but the Bird of Paradise tree remains her favorite because her son gave it to her. There is also a fennel plant which is great for raising butterflies; they have lots of eggs and caterpillars currently. For the shadiest part of the house, she planted Hostas. To keep everything watered, she waters for about 15 minutes most days and uses an automatic timer that is hooked up to her garden hose.
Minta and Lynda spend a lot of time on their front porch watching the cats play and listening to the water fountains and wind chimes. Sounds like the perfect way to enjoy all the hard work!
Congratulations again to Lynda and Minta who have won a $25 gift certificate to Archie’s Gardenland. And thank you for creating such a wonderful oasis for ALL to enjoy.
June Yard of the Month
by Tatiana Wicke
June Naylor at 3815 Crestline Drive is our lucky Arlington Heights Yard of the Month winner – most appropriately for the month of…June!
June has lived in her 82 year old house for 13 years; her uncle and dad owned the house before when it was a duplex. When June bought the house, she converted it back into a single-family home.
Looking at the house from the street you can still see the two doors that were the entrances to the duplex and their separate pathways. These pathways offer a softening line to the front of the house and the garden has been created to complement this feature. As you enter the front yard, the pathway is flanked on either side by narrow beds of lush monkey grass. As the path splits to either side, there is a garden at the center of the house surrounding pecan tree and a juniper. This central garden is the focal point of the yard, with the juniper adding privacy to the front windows as well as additional interest and height to the garden. Add in a splash of Shasta daisies, Echinacea and Lilies and this central garden is absolutely festive in full bloom!
June maintains she is not a ‘gardener’ per se, “I just buy some things I like and stick them in the ground, here and there.” She favors perennials that are hardy and require a minimum amount of fuss. She tends to like red and white foliage or blooms, and this year potted some Caladiums and New Guinea Impatiens for her front porch. Some potted Hostas also speckle the front porch, which adds a nice variation in texture and color.
Congratulations to June for wining June Yard of the Month. She is the recipient of a $25.00 gift certificate to Archie’s Gardenland.
May Yard of the Month
May Yard of the Month Winner
Tom and Mary Cooker have lived at 1605 Virginia Place in Arlington Heights for 36 years. Tom takes care of the grass while Mary tends to the flower beds. Tom’s secret to a lush, green lawn is to scalp it early, fertilize often, and use 2% Ironite®. He also mows every other day because he likes the look of a fresh cut lawn. Some of their features plants include two beautiful Japanese Maple’s, Tropicana, Sage and Texas Sage, Indian Hawthorns and Gerber Daisy’s. Congratulations to the Cooker’s, they received a $25 gift certificate from Archie’s Gardenland, 6700 Camp Bowie Blvd. All recipients of the 2009 AHNA Yard of the Month will receive this award.
