Mistletoe Heights Yard of the Month
October 2014: 1105 Mistletoe Drive
It is possible that only those who remember what the yard was like before they moved in can appreciate what a transformation Kyle and Stephanie Jensen have made at 1105 Mistletoe Drive. The improvements they have made are a boon to the entire neighborhood. The home has distinct curb appeal due to the cheery look the Jensens have created.
The cozy seating in front of their cottage results in a warm, welcoming look. Kyle did all the work himself, and building the hardscape structures he has made lends a special quality to the term 'sweat equity.'
He put in new sidewalks, big natural stone planters framed by matching stone columns. The red tile porch completes the effect of all the hardscape Kyle has done. The planters are currently very full with lush, multi-colored Penta.
There is a specimen tree in the yard that I think is a Pistasche. (I didn't speak to Kyle or Stephanie because I wanted this to be a surprise.) The beds behind the stone planters have some Abelia and some not-boxy-looking Boxwoods... the best look for Boxwoods is for them to not be trimmed like boxes!
On one side of the front is a sculpted Holly. On the other is a red, variegated Canna Lilly in a nice green pot. The color in the stone planters is seasonal; however, Kyle and Stephanie have always had colorful plantings there ever since Kyle built them.
So not only does Kyle deserve recognition for his selfless service in the Mistletoe Heights Neighborhood Association, but he and Stephanie also have earned the Yard of the Month Award for October. His hard work has paid off—both in landscaping and in administration!
The Jensens are moving away so Kyle can be closer to his job. Our neighborhood's loss will be another neighborhood's gain! But the Jensens will be missed here in Mistletoe Heights...
- Bruce Horn