Published: July 05, 2008 09:53 pm            

Yards of the Month for July

Corsicana Cleanup Committee/Better Gardens Club

From Staff Reports



The home of Ruth and Jimmy Dawson, in the peaceful neighborhood of Belmont Circle, is Councilman Tom Wilson’s choice for July’s Yard of the Month in Precinct 1. Their yard has a variety of trees and plants.

When the home was built in 1954, it was placed on the large pie-shaped lot so that the landscape can be appreciated. The front has a low, curved brick wall accented with hollies, more than 100 White Christmas caladiums, and red begonias.

Three years ago, when the Dawsons moved to this home, English ivy covered the north end of the house and a large part of the yard. Removing the English ivy, they discovered brick steps leading to the back yard and that the brick wall continued to the back patio off the sunroom. The patio beds feature many kinds of plants such as ferns, hydrangeas, azaleas and begonias.

To tie this large yard together, two flowerbeds have been placed to incorporate the rolling inclines of the ground. In these two beds, azaleas are accented with flowering bedding plants and white rocks that direct the flow of rainwater. Throughout the yard are large pots of red geraniums and large baskets of ferns.

This neighborhood demonstrates the true meaning of being a good neighbor. When someone is temporarily unable to maintain his yard, others are always willing to help out. Neighbors work together to keep the beauty of their lovely surroundings.

Precinct 2 city councilman Ruby Williams chose the home of Tommy and Betty Hailey on East 17th Avenue as Yard of the Month for July. There are many styles of porches in Corsicana. If you drive by 803 East 17th Avenue, you’ll see one that’s in a class all by itself. Tommy and Betty Hailey live in this beautiful house with their daughter Shaminiqua. They have called this home for 23 years.

The porch started small, but now extends 44 feet across the front of the house before dropping down to a dining deck in the side yard. The covered porch is furnished with comfortable chairs and a large double rocker. A water element provides a comforting bubble while the porch posts and hanging baskets frame the view in every direction. Betty loves her neighbors who just happen to be her sisters. Her mother, Annie Franklin, and Tommy’s father, Bob Hailey, spent many hours sitting on the Hailey porch before they passed on.

“They’d sit out there all day, and all night if they could,” laughed Betty.

Tommy has manicured two large mimosas in the front yard so that they provide shade without obstructing the view. A wishing well, two birdbaths, a Japanese lantern, and a unique clear gazing ball supported by a trio of frogs adorn the grassy area. The lawn ornaments are all treasures found at estate and garages sales. Evergreens are planted on each side of the gate. Rose bushes take advantage of the filtered sunlight inside the fence. The lush green foliage of azaleas fills a large bed on the other side of the lariope edged sidewalk.

Tommy’s gardening skills have created a showplace!

The Precinct 3 Yard of the Month was selcted by Stephen G. Andrews.

As Darlene Nichols and her husband, Joe Marquez, were driving past 504 South 31st Street, she noticed a “For Sale” sign in the yard. That’s where she grew up and since this was their 10th anniversary, apprehensive Joe relented and bought the battered and neglected two-story yellow house for his wife.

Built in 1902, it had gone through several owners. Having a pier and beam foundation, it has never needed leveling. Hardwood floors, doors and windows are original, even the wooden porch flooring has had only a few boards replaced. On the upper story outside wall is the trademark of the builder, even though he remains unknown. This medallion can be seen on other homes in Corsicana.

Five years ago, when they moved in, they planted three watermelon red crepe myrtles on the north side of the house. Three years later they planted two Natchez white crepe myrtles on the south side in memory of their 9-year-old son, Skyler, who passed away, a victim of cancer. Also on the south side is a huge pecan tree that was planted over 100 years ago when the house was built. The tree produced over 600 pounds of pecans last year.

As one sits on the shady front porch in comfortable wicker chairs, two talking parrots, Mango and Sunshine, provide plenty of entertainment.

Restoring this historic home in an eco-friendly manner attracts beneficial insects and frogs. The memories remain alive in this pleasant work in progress.



Councilman Randy Dill selected the Precinct 4 Yard of the Month. There are gardens, and there are gardens. Gerald and Donna Atkeisson spend their time in a garden. Recently retired, the couple has lived at 616 McKinney for 15 years. Active in the community and busy with their three children, nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, they still manage to perform all the gardening tasks themselves.

“I like to stay busy,” Gerald laughed. “Donna is the one with all the ideas. I just do whatever she says.”

Entering the back gardens through a custom gate, the eye is pleased by beautiful plantings and the mind is inspired by the architectural components. A large arbor covers a ceramic tile floor accented with Talavera tile insets and large planters define the edge of this area. The ceiling of the arbor is decorated with bamboo cut by the Atkeissons in Athens. Large pieces of mahogany furniture and dining pieces offer seating for entertainment.

“After a visit to Hawaii, I realized the garden needed rocks,” Donna said.

The result of that epiphany was a freestanding fireplace and, under another arbor, a waterfall that splashes into a small pool. Graceful branches of Lady Banks roses soften the lines of this tableau.

A bermed garden in the center of the lawn anchors the landscape. Yaupon hollies, a purple tulip tree, and succulents add color and texture to this area.

The fence is lined with lorapetalum and nandina. Colorful clumps of lantana are nestled at their feet.

With original art pieces scattered among the plantings, the garden is a treasure to the senses.

        

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