Village West Yard of the Month
Our Village West July Yard of the Month winner is 11410 Chevy Chase. This homeowner is a self-taught, avid gardener. While only in Village West for 3 years, they undertook some serious work to get where they are today, removing the top 6” of existing clayey soil before building beds.
The Landscape
Once again, this landscape suffered lots of damage in the freeze even though everything was triple covered. This landscape has recovered with the owner’s regular application of fertilizer and soil amendments. Organic and inorganic fertilizers including composted chicken manure for azaleas and camellia. Fish emulsion for ferns and Nitro Phos for other flowering plants. Gypsum is added to the lawn to break up the clay. Also, Alfalfa pellets spread on the lawn act as a slow-release fertilizer.
Mature oak and magnolia trees provide substantial shade to most of the front landscape. Surprisingly, there are 3 pink crepe myrtles that are perfectly positioned to take advantage of dappled sunlight – no accident on the part of this gardener.
The Plants
July Yard of the Month winner 11410 Chevy Chase beds contain some plants we are familiar with, and some that we haven’t seen. As you approach the front door, beds on either side contain Torenia and several varieties of Hosta. Torenia is a low-growing re-seeding annual that blooms in a variety of colors. This one in deep blue and white. Of course, the Hosta dies back in the winter, but they are coming back like there had been no freeze. The remainder of the front beds contain a variety of plants you’d expect in a shaded landscape. Including Holly fern, Foxtail fern, Agapanthus, Azalea, Camellia, and Louisiana iris. Additionally there is Boxwood, Nandina, Yaupon and Pentas.
Second Planting Area
The driveway offers a second planting area to accommodate sun loving plants. There is a row of pink Crepe myrtles along the side with Lantana, Daylilies, Hibiscus and Firecracker fern. Beyond that is the owner’s prize collection of Plumerias. Blooming in all colors, some common, and even more hard-to-find varieties. If you appreciate Plumerias this is a must see!
Please stop by to congratulate our July winner and admire his hard work!
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 is available to help with your landscape or gardening questions or problems. Contact Tracy Niall, Carla Cooper 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.
