Lakewood Heights Neighborhood Association

LHNA Yards of the Month

Jan 03, 2008

By Marian Buchanan
Yard of the Month Committee Chairman

?“Gardening is a little like golf?—always a challenge, and we can never be perfect at it.?” This gem of gardening wisdom is offered by September?’s Yard of the Month owners, Kristee and Tom Rouse on Velasco. Kristee insists that her husband does most of the work, only letting her pick out flowers once in a while. From the colorful coleus at the street to the delightful window boxes, Tom is a gardener who obviously enjoys his hobby. (His other hobby is cheering for the Longhorns!) Their two children are not yet old enough to help in the yard, but they enjoy trips to Tietze Park. The Rouses have lived on Velasco since 2002, and with any luck, will continue to beautify the Lakewood Heights neighborhood for many years to come!


October?’s Yard of the Month is living proof that shady gardens don?’t need to be boring. Marquita neighbor, Terry Linton , has chosen a broad palette of foliage and flowering plants that complement his home. Seasonal color includes red and white impatiens, caladiums and bright coleus. Permanent plantings are rich in foliage texture: Japanese yew, giant elephant ears, Aralia, holly ferns, Japanese maples, hydrangea and ?‘Encore?’ (reblooming) azaleas. Terry, a sales rep for an IT consulting firm, has lived in Lakewood Heights for 8 years. He loves the neighborhood so much that he declares ?“this is where I?’m going to rot!?” He also admits that he gardens by the ?“trial and error?” method. After looking at his yard, it?’s obvious that he doesn?’t make many mistakes. Thank you, Terry, for continuing your good work in keeping Lakewood Heights beautiful!