Lanes get the nod for first Yard of the Month honors of 2013 Ralph and Herma Lane’s yard is the first Yard of the Month for 2013, selected by the Loess Hills Garden Club. Missouri Valley Mayor Clint Sargent asked the club to champion this program three years ago with the hope that it would encourage citizens of the city to improve their property – mow, trim shrubs, pull some weeds, and you too might receive this honor. Ralph has been the acknowledged Missouri Valley tree and turf expert for decades. Anyone with a question, problem, or concern turned to Ralph for experienced, friendly, encouraging advice. This was in the era before we had Shad Hornbeck from CJ Futures, Landscape and Turf Management major from ISU, and Monica Wheeler, who can deliver a wealth of advice and knowledge on all garden/lawn concerns, from roses to moles, bugs or diseases. Ralph was known as the “King of Barefoot Grass” long before Scotts lawn products came along trying to claim the crown. He knew what and when to apply any product for every season and problem. Using the benchmarks of April 15 (taxes are due), Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day, Ralph seldom encountered any turf, tree, or shrub problems in his yard. Sidewalks were edged to perfection. Calm, steady, patient, and encouraging, Ralph was unwavering in his willingness to help. Ralph was there for one and all. His extensive knowledge and experience were extended to neighbors, co-workers, or someone driving by. Well into retirement, he still enjoys mowing and supervising all yard details in his meticulously maintained property at 525 N. 10th Street. Grass clippings are recycled in local gardens. Herma is the flower guru. Every spring the covered patio is surrounded with hanging boxes of red geraniums. The front entry boasts a bed of bright pink, fuscia, and white vinca. The many roses bushes located on the property are among Herma’s favorites. Bouquets of roses, as well as cleome, iris, daylilies, daisys and mums are enjoyed indoors as well the entire season. Three gigantic hibiscus shrubs bloom for weeks. Lilac standards bloom in the back yard in spring. An 8-foot annual cutting garden in the backyard adds more color and eye appeal. Hostas and other perennials fill in for perfect form and texture. Both Ralph and Herma enjoy bird watching, as is evidenced by their four major feeding stations. Many orioles, hummingbirds, goldfinches, cardinals, and blue jays entertain daily. Halved oranges and dishes of grape jelly are replenished as needed – sometimes more than twice a day! Drive by and enjoy the labor and beauty of this magnificent property. You might find Ralph and Herma on the patio relaxing, visiting with a multitude of friends and family, or just enjoying all the joy nature provides. Link for actual Mo Valley Times News article with pictures, June 28, 2013: enterprisepub/movalley/news/lanes-get-the-nod-for-first-yard-of-the-month/article_d80a183a-df6b-11e2-bdeb-0019bb30f31a.html
Posted on: Sat, 29 Jun 2013 01:39:40 +0000
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