A yard of the Month award is given each month, March - November, to an attractive yard within the City of Brenham, exclusive of Garden Club members, thus helping to stimulate civic pride in our community.
november 2020 yard of the month
The Bluebonnet Garden Club is pleased to award Kathy and Craig Blum, 1501 Yager Drive, the November Yard of the Month. The home is surrounded with many neatly trimmed shrubs and a spacious lawn. Complimenting the inviting garden spaces are many mature trees. A large bed of ferns and purple heart tradecantia appear in a side planting bed. Beyond that is a very attractive garden space. Granite and flagstone pathways continue throughout the garden and a meandering dry creek divides the garden. Raised planting beds outlined with rock contain a generous variety of plants. Giant and variegated liriope, dwarf mundo grass, ajuga, creeping juniper, foxtail fern, nandinia, sedum, plumbago, and English ivy create a beautiful combination of plants. Purple heart tradecantia and purple leaf shamrock add colorful accents, as well as, pentas, impatients, and a unique Crown of Thorns appearing in full bloom. Garden art pieces, some whimsical, add interest throughout the garden. Finally, a garden gazebo provides an excellent place to relax and enjoy this interesting garden. The Blums enjoy gardening and all of this charming landscape was created and is maintained by them. In appreciation for their efforts, Bluebonnet Garden Club presented them a gift certificate to a local nursery.
Tip of the hat - October, 2019
Washington county Chamber located at 314 S. Austin St. was presented with the “Tip of the Hat” award which is given bi-annually to a Brenham business that shows care and concern fo its appearance and landscaping. Presenting the award to Wende L. Ragonis, President of Washington County Chamber, are Judy Pendergrass and Joy Goedeke, co-chairs for Tip of the Hat; and Charlotte LaRoche, club present. Also pictured is Ron Wise of Wise Landscaping.
AUGUST 2020 YARD OF THE MONTH
Bluebonnet Garden Club awarded the Yard of the Month for August 2020 to Susan and Joel Schretenthaler, 2320 Gun and Rod Circle. The circle drive is flanked by two large pink crepe myrtles and the retaining wall is bordered by pink drift roses and pink mucky grass. Beds of yellow Moss Rose Purslane, hot pink Vincas, and purple and white Angelonias line the steps into the home. Additional plantings include Mexican Sage, yellow Lantana, a large Buckeye tree and other perennial plants.
July 2020 Yard of the month
april 2020 yard of the month
Excellent choice for April Yard of the Month:
“The home of Barbara and Danny Ross at 701 Chappell Hill was selected for the April “Yard of the Month” by the Bluebonnet Garden Club. Reminiscent of a bygone era, this lovely home sits back from the road on a well-manicured lawn interspersed with stately shade trees. Barbara and Danny have landscaped their home with an eye for elegance and whimsy. Viburnum frames the left side of the house and the front gardens include Formosa azaleas and Pride of Mobile azaleas, Chinese Fringe flower, Golden Daisy bushes, purple Agapanthus, white Dianthus and Bridal Wreath Spirea. An ornate stone urn shows off a fiery red Geranium. There are buckets of hot pink Geraniums on the front stairs leading up to the front door. Flanking either side of the antique leaded glass front door are magnificent Boston Ferns.
Barbara told us she has used “pass-along plants” from both her mother and her grandmother in the front gardens. Pass-along plants such as Bleeding heart aren’t commonly found in nurseries these days. She also has solid red Amaryllis along with red and white Amaryllis brought to Brenham from her Mother’s home which was situated near the lovely Garden Oaks area of Houston.
The side flower beds begin to reveal Danny’s whimsical tastes for gardening. He has created a small courtyard using a Greek Venus statue carrying a water urn; a piece of antique wrought iron fencing and a replica of an Italian stone wall fountain decorate the courtyard area. Flanking the corners, are lovely urns on wrought iron pedestals with cascading Boston Ferns. Japanese boxwoods surround the stone and brick mosaic floor of his courtyard. Various Lilies and Iris are interspersed throughout. As you walk into the back yard, even more of Danny’s personality begins to emerge. There are Cast Iron plants, Gingers and Nandinas surrounding a majestic oak. And in their midst, appears an unusually lovely antique carved wooden door that he has decorated with various “found treasures”. As your eye travels beyond the wrought iron backyard fence, there is a uniformly planted grove of paper shell and native pecan trees. And then suddenly off in the distance, you begin to focus on what looks like a bicycle hanging from a distant tree limb. All this atmosphere works together wonderfully to create the beautiful and fun-filled garden of Barbara and Danny Ross.”
Submitted by Diane Mackenroth
Carolyn Sander, being a “forever” resident of Washington County, provided a unique history of this beautiful home. Thank you for sharing this history!
“One Sunday morning years ago when our kids were small, we allowed them to miss Sunday School and church to watch this house being moved from the corner of Market St. and Pecan at the present site of the strip mall containing Wildflowers and Classic Care. We sat in our car next door in Charles’ mom’s driveway at 304 Pecan St. to watch the moving. I believe this house was one time Brenham Funeral Home. In our time, it was owned by the Tieman Dippel family of Brenham National Bank. Mrs. Dippel was a Knolle “from home” (Yes, I’m old time Washington County and fully understand where the expression comes from!!) and her family originally owned this home and corner. At one time, the original Tiemann Dippel was the Washington County sheriff. A lot of history comes with this home and we have watched it evolve over the years to the beautiful setting it is today.”
december 2019 yard of the month
December Yard of the Month was awarded to Kenneth and Lete Phillips, 407 West Third Street. The yard has a wide variety of shrubs planted. Agave, yucca, Sago and Mexican fan palms grace the front of the house and driveway. Knockout roses, lantana and red cascade roses add colorful accents. In the back yard, the deck surrounds a massive oak tree and the swimming pool is surrounded by many plants creating a lush, tropical and secluded atmosphere to be enjoyed by the family at the pool house. The yard and home are cheerfully decorated for Christmas with many Santa Clauses welcoming the visitor.
The Phillips’ were presented a gift certificate from a local nursery.
November 2019 yard of the month
Those travelers passing the home of Shawn and Carrie Derkowski at 702 College Avenue are treated to a Fall delight. The home that has sheltered many families over the years is adorned with wreaths, banners , and pumpkins in an array of bright fall colors of yellows and oranges. Tucked in between a variety of trees and shrubs, a scarecrow couple welcomes visitors. Pots and hanging baskets of Boston ferns and yellow chrysanthemums adorn the porch. Throughout the yard are plantings of Lantana, Mexican heather, Liriope, ornamental grasses, and Pentas. A sago palm punctuates the corner of the house and others stand guard along the driveway.
For their effort to bring pleasure to their neighborhood and make Brenham even more beautiful, the Derkowski family is awarded the Yard of the Month for November and presented a gift certificate to a local nursery.
(Picture unavailable)
october 2019 Yard of the Month
The beautiful yard of Chuck and Carol Doersom, 407 College St. was chosen as the October “Yard of the Month”. The yard is a garden of Fall blooming plants including chrysanthemums, Texas aster, Mexican firespike, salvias, and fragrant mist flower. Large oak trees and crepe myrtle grace the front yard. Paths lined with phlox, lilies, irises, roses, lavender, azaleas and coral vine circle the house. Numerous fruit and other small trees are scattered throughout. The Doersoms were presented a gift certificate to a local nursery.
September 2019 Yard of the Month
Awarded to Carl and Dianne Clover at 1401 Yager Drive.
August 2019 Yard of the Month
Home of Melissa and Henry Flowers, 709 Scott Street
July 2019 Yard of the Month
Home of Seth A. McMeans, 100 East Tom Green
June 2019 Yard of the Month
Home of Mr. and Mrs. Gene Cooper, 2211 Century Circle
May 2019 yard of The month
Home of Sandy Smith, 704 West Chauncy Street
April 2019 Yard of the Month
Home of Don and Molly Glentzer 1404 S. Day Street
MARCH 2019 YARD OF THE MONTH
Home of Roslyn Bradford - 806 S. Day Street
December 2018 Yard of the Month
December, Yard of the Month....the day of our December meeting, the committee awarded YOM to Debbie Lehrmann on Peachtree. It is always a good choice, because she works out there constantly. It looked good then, but as soon as she got the award, she began planting flowers, bulbs, etc. You must go see it. Someone described it as looking like Disney Land—a colorful island in the dead of winter!
November 2018 Yard of the Month
November Yard of the month was awarded to Steven and Peggy Nelson 2381 Gun and Rod Circle.
October, 2018 Yard of the Month
The Bluebonnet Garden Club awarded Yard of the Month for May to Jay and Robin Hill at 1506 S. Jackson Street. On all four sides of the home are an abundance of beautiful pink knock-out roses along with mexican sedum, skull cap, lantana, agave, native grasses and a bed of a variety of bulb plants like Easter Lily. There is Crossvine blooming on the fence and trellises, and pots of ferns, bougainvillea and crown of thorns on the patio and porches. A multi-container vegetable garden is behind the garage next to the outdoor fireplace patio area.
may, 2018 Yard of the Month
The Bluebonnet Garden Club awarded Yard of the Month for May to Jay and Robin Hill at 1506 S. Jackson Street. On all four sides of the home are an abundance of beautiful pink knock-out roses along with Mexican sedum, skull cap, lantana, agave, native grasses and a bed of a variety of bulb plants like Easter Lily. There is Crossvine blooming on the fence and trellises, and pots of ferns, bougainvillea and crown of thorns on the patio and porches. A multi-container vegetable garden is behind the garage next to the outdoor fireplace patio area.
April, 2018 Yard of the month
April Yard of the Month was awarded to Kathy and Keith Kietlinski at 314 Scenic Drive (picture not available)
March, 2018 yard of the month
March Yard of the Month was awarded to Debbie Weghorst at 704 W. Stone St. (picture not available)
November, 2017 yard of the month
Bluebonnet Garden Club has selected the home of Randy and Lori Erskine at 511 W. Mansfield Street for the November Yard of this Month. The impeccably manicured front yard is flanked by a Natchez crepe myrtle tree and a young Live Oak. Clipped boxwood hedges and a flower box with blooming bougainvillea and lantana outline the front porch and a side walk. This entrance to the cottage is enhanced by a Crossvine curling around a porch post and a potted ligustrum patio tree. Formosa azaleas, Setsugekka camellia in full bloom, and a Japanese Yew add to the attractiveness of this side of the house. On the opposite side of the front, a semicircular bed with Baby Gem boxwood, Encore azaleas, daisies, chrysanthemums and a variety of perennials surround a playful seasonal welcome scene.
The side yard continues with a large holly ‘Christmas Jewel’, blue plumbago, Abelia ‘Twist of Lime, dwarf Hamelin grass, Butterfly iris, and a ground cover of coral sedum and mint. A bamboo arbor covered with Crossvine leads to the backyard.
This backyard haven is shaded by a huge sycamore tree and bordered by cherry laurel and Setsugekka camellias. Blooms of a white Mandevilla front the tool shed covered by a meandering Peggy Martin rose. A welcoming patio features large potted Bay Laurel trees. Impatiens, ardesia, variegated ajuga, ‘Nantucket Blue’ hydrangeas and other shade plants add a variety of color and texture. The lawn is enhanced by two bird baths and an active bird feeder. All of this charming landscape is created and maintained by the owners.
October, 2017 yard of the month
The Bluebonnet Garden Club awarded the October Yard of the Month to John and Sherry Lacy, 809 West Stone Street. The front walkway is accented with large urns of colorful begonias and coleus, while the front porch welcomes visitors with comfortable rocking chairs and a bench. Variegated ginger, sego palm, pittosporum, azaleas, loropetalum, holly fern, Turks cap and orange marmalade offer a variety of texture and color in the flower beds at the front of the house. Large live oaks and a magnolia tree provide shade. A pathway of stones leads to the back yard where the family swimming pool provides recreation and a hedge of wax leaf ligustrum provides privacy. The pool is surrounded by tables, chairs and other lawn furniture. The beds around the shady live oaks are full of river fern, ginger, colorful pentas, crinum lilies and large accent boulders.
Twice a year, a Tip of the Hat Award is given to a business in Washington County who has shown an improvement in landscape appearance.
tip of the hat - april, 2018
The second Tip of the Hat award for the 2017-2018 garden club year was given to Blue Bell Creameries, Brenham. Their landscaping is always colorful and beautifully kept.
tip of the hat - OCTOBER, 2017
Tip of the Hat was awarded to Dahmann & Associates after our October meeting. A certificate was presented to them for their beautiful new landscaping. No picture available.
Tip of the Hat - February, 2017
Del Sol Food was awarded a Tip of the Hat Award! The revamping of their gardens is a beautiful transformation. Below is a picture of Donna Bennett, Chairman of the committee presenting the award.
SEPTEMBER 2017 YARD OF THE MONTH
The Bluebonnet Garden Club awarded September Yard of the Month to Gene and Jean King at 405 Tanglewood Drive in Scenic Estates. The well-manicured lawn is Tiff Bermuda. Anchoring the left front corner of the home is a crepe myrtle. The front flower bed and a large bed bordering the side driveway contain Indian hawthorne, philodendron, asters, amaryllis, lily of the Nile, daisies, red and purple salvia, vinca, pintas, marigold, green and purple sweet potato vines, iris, plumbago, and purple sage. Most are blooming, creating a beautiful variety of color. There are also two large potted bougainvillea. Near the patio in the backyard are agapanthus, esperanza and a cypress plant. Numerous trees border the home and property, which include mountain laurel, desert willow, Kieffer pear, plum, peach, apricot, Meyer lemon, limequat and a fig tree that is over 100 years old.
august 2017 yard of the month
August Yard of the Month was awarded to Jim and Dayle Burkhart of 605 Walnut Hill. Jim is the keeper of the grounds and does a wonderful job of keeping everything so beautifully groomed.
july 2017 yard of the month
John and Michelle Faulk at 800 S. Market were awarded the July Yard of the Month.
june 2017 - yard of the month
June Yard of the Month was awarded to Roy and Lavonne Hegefeld at 1308 Tom Dee. Their yard is filled with color...beautiful impatience and caladiums.
may 2017 - yard of the month
May Yard of the Month was presented to the Lampes at 1802 Walsh, Brenham, TX
APRIL 2017 - YARD OF THE MONTH
The April Yard of the Month Award was presented to Martin and Denise Moore. He is the pastor of Abiding Word Church. Their home is at 2413 Ryan, Brenham, TX.
march 2017 - Yard of the Month
Bluebonnet Garden Club awarded the March Yard of the Month to Rodney and Cindy Foerster at 2401 Rosedale. Framing the front door of their southern style home are two lush Boston ferns. On either side of the elegant entry walkway are yellow pansies, snapdragons, dwarf pittosporum and African iris. Completing the front and side of this pristine yard are sego palm, white crepe myrtle, roses, encore azaleas and Lorapetalum. Providing privacy for the back yard is a large attractive hedge of elaeagnus plants. Nestled against the back of the house, a flowing fountain sits on a brick patio, bordered by dusty miller and edged with river rock.
December 2016
november 2016
The Bluebonnet Garden Club awarded the Yard of the Month for November to Tracy and Dan Moran at 403 Ross. This eye-catching landscape is an array with color, large, mature trees and a manicured lawn. On the front porch of the home hang giant Boston ferns that may be the largest you will ever see. Trimmed boxwoods and stone outline the flowerbeds, which are filled with Angelonia, Coleus, and Begonias. A closer glance around the grounds of this beautiful home and you will see Star Jasmine, Sago palms, pittosporums, airplane plants and roses. A granite rock path leads under an arched arbor covered with white Mandevilla and into a private resort like entertaining area. This area is complete with a beautiful swimming pool and fully equipped outdoor kitchen. It is surrounded with tall trees and lush shrubs creating a private retreat, which is perfectly accented with elephant ears, iron plants, potato vines, bougainvillea and geraniums. The pool area is surrounded with a variety of color filled urns and clay pots. A great deal of time and care has gone into making this home a well-deserved Yard of the Month.The Bluebonnet Garden Club awarded the Yard of the Month for November to Tracy and Dan Moran at 403 Ross. This eye-catching landscape is an array with color, large, mature trees and a manicured lawn. On the front porch of the home hang giant Boston ferns that may be the largest you will ever see. Trimmed boxwoods and stone outline the flowerbeds, which are filled with Angelonia, Coleus, and Begonias. A closer glance around the grounds of this beautiful home and you will see Star Jasmine, Sago palms, pittosporums, airplane plants and roses. A granite rock path leads under an arched arbor covered with white Mandevilla and into a private resort like entertaining area. This area is complete with a beautiful swimming pool and fully equipped outdoor kitchen. It is surrounded with tall trees and lush shrubs creating a private retreat, which is perfectly accented with elephant ears, iron plants, potato vines, bougainvillea and geraniums. The pool area is surrounded with a variety of color filled urns and clay pots. A great deal of time and care has gone into making this home a well-deserved Yard of the Month.
october 2016
October Yard of the Month was awarded to Joyce Lane, 1603 Harrison. The yard features a variety of plants, texture, colors, seating and water fountains. The front yard is dominated by white lantana, yuccas, various ferns, sedums, salvia, loropetalum, azaleas and variegated ginger. The backyard is home to many citrus trees, blooming plants, seating nooks and water fountains.
August, 2016
The home of Kim and Jesse De Los Santos at 902 Matchett Street. Perennials with different blooming periods throughout the season are planted in this fenced corner lot. Cannas, Wandering Jew, Bluebells, Abelia, Thryallis, Firebush, Mini Yaupon as well as Azaleas, are intersperesed underneath oak trees. (Photo unavailable)
july, 2016
The Bluebonnet Garden Club awarded the Yard of the Month for July to Evelyn & Randy Daigle at 1507 Victoria. The brilliant blue plumbago, the perfectly maintained knock out roses (not a spent bloom in sight) and the lush green lawn made this yard an obvious choice. The landscaped garden, which frames the circle drive, has a stone walk curving through additional plants of gold lantana, Indian hawthorn, giant liriope and Mexican petunias. A birdbath and a blanket of red mulch add a finishing touch. In the center of the garden is a strategically placed American flag, which made this yard an even more appropriate choice for July and the observance of Independence Day.
A tour of the back yard was an added treat with its equally well-maintained lawn and a variety of trees including peach trees filled with fruit. The large gazebo with outdoor kitchen is the focal point of the yard and a perfect entertaining area. Evelyn explained the back yard had undergone extensive damage during the recent floods however it looked beautiful and well cared for. With his love for the outdoors, Randy enjoys his time spent working in their yard.
june, 2016
The June Yard of the Month award has been given to Darlene Blondeau at 1307 Tom Dee Street by Bluebonnet Garden Club. The yard is beautifully landscaped with numerous plants of red and white caladiums surrounding trees and outlining a front flowerbed. Among other plants are variegated pittosporum, loropetalum, foxtail fern, boxwood, Indian Hawthorn, begonias, a crepe myrtle and dusty Miller. Large gold dust and Hawaiian Ti Red Sister plants give added color to the garden. A large cluster of ginger at the edge of the house adds height and texture. Around the side of the house are yellow bells, coral cannas and roses. This yard is shaded by a large pecan tree as well as a live oak. The yard is well tended and loved by the owner and her relative Nathan Steen. The various colors, shapes, sizes and textures of the many plants work together to make this yard very pleasing to the eye.
MAY, 2016 TIP OF THE HAT
America's Best Value Inn on South Market Street was selected for our Spring Tip of the Hat Award. The gardens are very well-kept. Sago palms anchor the gardens and feature red knockout roses and lavender lantana. Alex Patel is the owner/manager. Congratulations!
APRIL, 2016
The Bluebonnet Garden Club awarded the Yard of the Month for April to Vincent and Mary DeSalvo at 505 Hickory Hollow, in Scenic Estates. The yard is wonderfully decorated with accent pieces such as a jasmine covered arbor, statuary & large boulders.
Two large oak trees anchor the corner lot with native heat resistant plants. Weeping yaupon, camellia, plumbago, roses, gardenia, boxwood, and iris are just a few of the plants that enhance the landscape.
March, 2016
December, 2015
Home of Lori Poehlmann Balusek was chosen as December Yard of the Month.
november, 2015 TIP OF THE HAT
KAY'S CUISINE FOR THE SOUL was selected for our first Tip of the Hat Award for the year. Suzanne Longley of SUZANNE LONGLEY FARMS, designed the beautiful gardens leading to the front of the restaurant. It is butterfly and hummingbird friendly and provides a bright and friendly welcome to patrons of the restaurant as well as passersby. Congratulations to Kay!
OCTOBER, 2015
The Bluebonnet Garden Club has presented the October Yard of the Month to Ron and Veronica Luhn who reside at 2412 Corey Street. Their front yard is well manicured in hybrid Bermuda grass. Flower beds with cedar ground cover ablaze in vibrant multi color blooming vincas, salvia, purple fountain grass,and Knockout roses.
September, 2015
The Bluebonnet Garden Club Yard of the Month for September was awarded to Beverly and Larry Koehler at 2601 Mustang. The yard is beautifully landscaped with a rich variety of plants, such as bird of paradise, roses, crotons, dwarf yaupon, sweet potato vine, cedars, lantana and several varieties of ferns and shrubs. In addition to the plants in the flower beds, there were several beautiful pots and yard art spotted around which gave the flower beds an interesting dimension. There were trees on both sides of the house which offered shade and gave the yard a tranquil feeling.
august, 2015
Yard of the Month for August was awarded to Martin and Luanne Coles at 1803 Walsch Street. A wrought iron fence featuring a fleur de lis design complements the New Orleans–inspired home. Knock Art Roses provide color along the fence. The manicured Tiff grass lawn is accented with Magnolia trees, crape myrtles, and Wisteria. Beds of periwinkles provide seasonal color. Plumbago, New Dawn roses, gardenias and ornamental grasses adorn the home’s side garden. Brick walkways add to the classic feel of the home. One directs you to the backyard’s dry rocky river bed lined with Cypress and Redbud trees.
May, 2015
The Bluebonnet Garden Club has awarded the Yard of the Month for May to Carol Haenel of 2403 Ryan Street. The front yard is beautifully landscaped with Crepe Myrtles, boxwood hedges, ornamental pear and olive trees. Bright yellow and white pansies welcome the visitor at the street. The walled side garden is screened with star jasmine with the focal point being a lovely sculpture that can be seen through the iron gate. The back yard centers around a fountain with a lovely arbor covered with wisteria. Decorative planters filled with Japanese Yew and juniper accent the walk to the front door.
April, 2015
September, 2014
The home of Pastor Martin and Denise Moore at 2413 Ryan Street was chosen by the Bluebonnet Garden Club as the Yard of the Month for September. The front walk trails through a bright, sunny garden filled with blooming flowers in a myriad of colors and species including sweet potato vine, Texas Star hibiscus, lantana, red and orange roses, yellow bells, and Pride of Barbados. Placed along the back patio are containers of purple fountain grass, a sweet olive tree, blue plumbago, periwinkle, velvety red cockscombs, and numerous other plants. This delightful garden is filled with summer flowers that seem to enjoy the hot, dry Texas summer.