Alva Review-Courier -

The Alva Garden Council's July 2019 Yard of the Month is located at 129 Church St., Alva.

Berniece Tyree and Charlie Bird have a large inviting front porch from which they can enjoy their beautiful yard. Their weed-free lawn is distinguished by tall, stately trees, including a newly planted conquest maple, quazon cherry, and mature ash and pine trees that provide afternoon shade.

The front flowerbeds contain gravel and large rocks to deter weeds. Miniature blue spruce trees anchor the porch. Among the blooming perennials and annuals are deep red crape myrtle bushes, red rose bushes, a new redbud tree, yellow euphorbia, a hot pink pelargonium, and a delicate blue balloon flower. A smaller flowerbed to the east contains another red crepe myrtle bush and a blue butterfly bush encircled by a low boxwood hedge.

Symmetrical shrubs and perennials and colorful annual in hanging baskets line the front porch of the home at 129 E. Church Street, Alva.

A trio of hanging baskets and containers line each side of the porch. On the left side are baskets of coral calibrochia and lobelia, yellow calibrochia and white verbena, and purple scaveola. Directly below are baskets of hot pink verbena, magenta petunias, and hot pink geraniums.

On the right side are baskets of pale pink calibrochia, white, purple and red calibrochia, and magenta petunias above a container of red geraniums. On the porch steps are large baskets of pink and magenta petunias and smaller baskets of purple, yellow and red pansies.

The west flowerbed contains caladium, hosta, geranium, coral bells, red rose bush, barberry and another redbud tree. A beautiful yellow rose bush and another red crape myrtle complete the south bed. The east side of the yard is reserved for entertaining guests and grandchildren.

The Alva Garden Council is grateful that many Alva residents have beautiful yards and gardens, especially during these hot summer months.