Village West Yard of the Month
Congratulations to September’s Village West Yard of the Month winners at 11402 Chevy Chase. Not only has this been a hot summer, but many of us have been warring with the sod webworms. Our winner has been able to maintain thick green turf in spite of the elements.
Landscape Details
This landscape achieves its success with simplicity. There is repetition with the plant selection and color, but there are statement plants flanking the front door. A large Bird of Paradise and a large potted Firecracker plant both produce orange flowers and thrive in the heat, but the singular Bird of Paradise flowers contrast with the multitudes of tiny flute shaped blossoms on the weeping branches of the Firecracker. An added bonus – the Firecracker plant attracts hummingbirds.
Perennials and Shrubs
September’s Yard of the Month has beds along the front of the house contain a mixture of perennials and shrubs: Dwarf Bottlebrush, Indian Hawthorne, Foxtail fern and Pentas. The bottlebrush is a low/no maintenance shrub. Producing large bottlebrush-shaped red flowers in spring and depending on weather, other times during the summer and fall. Its blue-green foliage remains relatively compact, eliminating the need to shape or trim, but don’t be fooled, it is not truly a dwarf plant. It grows slowly, another low maintenance advantage.
More Color
The red, pink & purple Pentas used to edge the front beds are a good choice for reliable, almost year-round color. While most other plants take a break, the pentas just keep blooming! Sweet Olive anchors each of the beds. This is a large shrub/small tree that periodically blooms fall through spring. Producing tiny white flowers that are known for their intense, sweet and far-reaching fragrance. Potted crotons along the driveway and at the front door repeat the yellow/orange color scheme. Lastly, don’t miss the “yard art” – plants are only one element of the landscape and simple landscapes can make a great backdrop for garden art. We hope our September winner inspires you to take your landscapes to another level!
Village West
Village West is located in Houston’s Energy Corridor business district. The neighborhood is conveniently located to many of Houston’s major roadways therefore making it an easy commute to many of Houston’s employment centers. It’s a beautiful well established neighborhood with many benefits and amenities for it’s residents. For more information about Village West and all it’s wonderful amenities, visit Village West.org .
Village Gardeners Westchase
Remember, Village Gardeners Westchase is here to help with your landscape or gardening questions or problems. Contact Tracy Niall or Cindy Overton – or better yet, join us at the clubhouse at 6:30 on the 2nd Tuesday evening each month to learn more about your landscape with like-minded neighbors.
Sponsor
Many thanks to our partner, Connie Vallone of Park West Real Estate (713) 249-4177, who underwrites the Yard of the Month award. She has worked with Village Gardeners to support Village West. Please consider her should you need real estate related services.
