The December 2009 winner for Yard of the Month goes to Barbara and Heather Huffman of 6304 Sanderson Ave.

Mary and Stephen Dean are the August 2009 Yard of the Month winners!

By Judy Jeffersion

The Yard of the Month winners for August are Mary and Stephen Dean who have lived at 6210 Sun Vista since August of 1980. Their home was one of the first 50 homes to be built in Westcreek. They have four grown children, three daughters and one son. All four of the children were raised in this house and attended local schools. They
have seen many changes to the neighbrohood in the past 29 years.

Many of their original neighbors and friends have long since moved, but new families have replaced them. Mary and Stephen told me how
much they enjoy our neighborhood and feel comfortable and safe here.

They have added on to the house, made several improvements and many upgrades over the years. Their next project will be remodeling the kitchen and dining area. Mary was so delighted to have her yard chosen, and couldn’t wait to call the children with the good news.

The Dean’s received a $25 gift certificate from Randalls and a $50 gift certificate from Emerald Garden. Randalls and Emerald Garden continue to be generous supporters of our YOM effort here in Westcreek. Be sure to support them in return.

Linda and Nate Kemp are the July 2009 Yard of the Month winners!

The Yard of the Month winners for July are Linda and Nate Kemp at 6108 Sun Vista Drive.

Linda and Nate (and their big greyhound Zuma) have lived in Westcreek since 2003 and have steadily been transforming their yard to include a less thirsty lawn and more colorful summer perennials, young trees
and butterfly-friendly blooms.

The Kemp’s received a $25 gift card from Randalls and a $50 gift card from Emerald Garden.

Story by Judy Jefferson

Becky and Erik Swansiger, with their two sons Holden and Finn, are the June 2009 Westcreek Yard of the Month winners!

The Yard of the Month winners for June are Becky and Erik Swansiger. They live at 6102 Morning Dew with their two sons, Holden age 6 who loves art, maps and swimming, his younger brother, Finn age 2.5 who loves to smile and also loves to swim. This particular address on Morning Dew is where Barton, the 50 pound Tortoise, made his much publicized escape a few years back. Barton had made it all the way to Brush Country before he was captured!

The Swansiger’s have enjoyed living in Westcreek with all the trees and friendly neighbors for the past 10 years. It was one of their neighbors who brought their yard to the attention of the Enhancement Committee. The Buda water feature in front of their porch makes the yard seem very Zen.

Becky and Erik received a $25 gift card from Randalls and a $50 gift card from Emerald Garden. Thanks go to both Randalls and Emerald Garden for continually supporting Westcreek’s Yard of the Month program.

Story by Judy Jefferson

Lisa and Joe Payne, with their daughter Elizabeth ( 4 1/2 years old) are the Westcreek May Yard of the Month winners!

The Yard of the Month winners for May are Lisa and Joe Payne at 4801 Summerset Trail. They have enjoyed living in Westcreek for the past three years. Before deciding on types of plants, design of the pathways around the garden and overall structure, the Payne’s first turned for ideas from a professional gardener. They wanted year ’round interests in their garden — not just in the spring and summer — and also wanted drought-tolerant plants, which was challenging because most of their yard has shaded areas.

Lisa and Joe both enjoy gardening and Joe built the trellis in their own yard with help from his next-door neighbor. He’s also planted vegetables in the Sunshine Community Garden near his work. Lisa told me their garden is still “a work in progress”.

Lisa and Joe were presented with a $25 gift card from Randalls and a $50 gift card from Emerald Garden. Be sure to support Randalls and Emerald Garden in return for their generosity to Westcreek!

Melba Zett and her son Buddy have lived at 4813 White Elm for almost six years, and before moving to White Elm they lived on Summserset Trail for 13 years. Melba’s a retired state employee and Buddy works for the Eanes School District. Buddy is also an excellent carpenter and has made a lot of improvements in both the house and the yards.
This year Buddy built a couple of square foot gardens in the back yard, hoping to grow a few vegetables, using nothing but organic soil and fertilizers. Melba says living on the greenbelt gives not only a sense of privacy, but also an opportunity to enjoy the wildlife.

Melba and Buddy were presented with a $25 gift card from Randalls and a $50 gift card from Emerald Gardens. Be sure to support Randalls and Emerald Garden in return for their generosity to Westcreek.