The Cherokee Rose Garden Club Yard of Month; May 2022

by Elaine Marsallis

Our yard of the month winners for May are Donnie & Shelly George, located at 870 Co Rd 449, Centre, Ala.

You see a beautifully manicured and symmetrically balanced front yard from the street. However, once you enter the driveway, you are transported to a display of beauty and love of nature that is seldom experienced.

Over the years Donnie would move a Japanese Maple with him to each new residence. That Japanese Maple now welcomes you at the end of the drive and it is magnificent. Shelly’s raised herb bed is next followed by a relaxing pool area with lots of colorful annuals and hibiscus all complimenting the yew meticulously trained into a large diamond-shaped design covering the back of the garage.

Leaving the pool area, you enter an expansive backyard leading to the lake. The forested area is fronted by a central bed of purple iris, backed by white phlox with symmetrical plantings of purple saliva, peonies, and roses on either side. A well-placed bench invites you to relax and enjoy the peaceful serenity.

Moving on to the lakeside your path is flanked by small rose gardens surrounded by boxwood hedges groomed into ball shapes. Even the dock and boat house sport pots of annuals and flowering vines on trellises.

We want to thank Donnie and Shelly for sharing their garden paradise with us.