Yard of the Month
A prestigious award-recognition for Quail Valley homeowners, the Yard of the Month Award is given March thru November each year. This award goes to homeowners who go the extra mile to promote civic pride, making their landscaping and gardens exceptional. Yards are chosen based on overall curb appeal, interesting plant design and placement, and unusual plantings, all resulting and reflecting an overall well-maintained and manicured yard and gardens with seasonal color.
Monthly Winners Receive:
1. A free one-year membership to the Quail Valley Garden Club and a copy of the yearbook. In the yearbook, you will find meeting info, special events and fundraiser information. As a reminder, funds from our fundraisers go towards community beautification, area scholarships and community service.
2. $50.00 appreciation gift card from Lowe’s.
3. Discount Card from Enchanted Forest or Gardens which is good from Sept to May of each Club Year.
4. Recognition on the QVG HOA electronic board as the Yard of the Month Winner.
5. Recognition in the QV Fund newsletter and possible recognition in a local newspaper. (Come out and be a part of the group picture)
Website: www.quailvalleygardenclub.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/quailvalleygardenclub
Email Address: TalkToUs@quailvalleygardenclub.org
Spread the word: If you see a nice yard worthy of Yard of the Month recognition, please email the property address and why you think they should be considered to the email address above.
Thank you,
Cecilia Hernandez and Melissa Swanson
2023-24 Yard of the Month Committee
April 2024 Don & Diane Holden; Glenn Lakes Lane
April 2024 Yard of the Month Winner
The Quail Valley Garden Club is proud to announce the Yard of the Month winner for April, 2024. Mr. and Mrs. Don Holden (Diane), who live at 2323 Glenn Lakes Lane. The Holdens have lived in Quail Valley over twenty years. They moved to Quail Valley because their family, a son and a newly born granddaughter at the time, lived in the community. Don and Diane also liked the great golf course especially since Don is an avid golfer. He can be seen mowing his yard each week while Diane is assisting with other tasks in the gardens. Diane commented that she and Don love gardening and maintaining a beautiful setting to welcome friends and family to their home. She further said …“he’s the worker bee and I’m the ‘do this, dig that up’ partner bee.” The Holders enjoy working in their yard together and strive to make it fun because they know you will reap wonderful benefits!
One’s eye starts at the corner of the lot and sees a lovely landscaped yard in both directions. There is a lot of dimension and movement showcasing various heights of healthy lush plants and thick green grass. One might say that the lilies, bushes and plants are “happy campers” as you view blooms in various areas of the flower beds. Their lot backs up to a nature reservoir on the lake and deer sightings can be seen from time to time.
The Quail Valley Garden Club presented Diane and Don with a free membership to the garden club for one year along with a gift card to Lowe’s and a discount card to Enchanted Forest. Missouri City representative, Dawn Lee, Community Engagement Coordinator, presented the homeowners with a Certificate of Appreciation, thanking the Holdens for setting a great example to their neighbors in the community by maintaining such a lovely presentation of their residence. In support of the Quail Valley Garden Club, Double Dave’s Pizza also provided a gift certificate for a free meal at their restaurant on Hwy. 6 in Missouri City.
November 2023 Roy & Alma Lloyd, Masters Lane
The Quail Valley Garden Club presented its November Yard of the Month to winners, Roy and Alma Lloyd on November 6th at Masters Lane. The Lloyds’ purchased their home in 2018 and focused on the Quail Valley community as their place for retirement. Even though a drought has been experienced pretty much all summer, the Lloyds’ yard stands out from all the others. The plants look healthy and the assortment and variations of plants make the landscape “pop”!
Roy is the gardener. Neighbors commented that Roy is working in his yard all the time. His plants are well maintained, flowing with color and assortment. Roy claims that attention to detail and color is very important in placement of the plants. He commented that healthy plants and grass will grow despite the weather.
Prior to purchasing their home, Roy remarked that he visited several garden centers to investigate pricing, color schemes, and availability of certain plants. He further mentioned his love of Sago Palms, and that his design intent was to work around the palms to enhance their beauty and class as a palm.
The garden club presented Mr. Lloyd with a free membership to the Quail Valley Garden Club along with a gift card to Lowe’s and a discount card to Enchanted Forest. Missouri City Councilman, Floyd Emery, presented the homeowner with a Certificate of Appreciation, thanking Mr. Lloyd for setting such a great example to his neighbors in the community by maintaining such a lovely yard.
October 2023 Mark & Cindy Blakley, Bonney Briar
On a lovely fall day in the heart of Quail Valley, Cindy and Mark Blakley were presented with an award for Yard of the Month for October 2023 from the Quail Valley Garden Club. After an immensely harsh summer, the presence of a beautiful yard with lovely landscaping remains for the Blakely's. Mark is the gardener who does his own planting and trimming while maintaining such lush green grass, making the overall presentation a sight for sore eyes! The Blakley's have been residents of Quail Valley since 1993, raised their three children here, and are now enjoying their home even more as they continue to update and keep a lovely place to call home, while enjoying visits from their grandchildren. Cindy commented that after looking at several neighboring subdivisions, both she and Mark really loved what Quail Valley had to offer. While house hunting thirty years ago, they were impressed with the lush yards, mature trees and just the uniqueness of the community. Cindy gives all the "green thumbs" to Mark who learned the "how to" from his grandfather who was a farmer. At times, she commented, they have even had vegetable gardens at their location. Mark stated his inspiration comes from the satisfaction of a job well done. Cindy takes credit for hanging the lovely green Fern baskets that adorn their front porch along with the rocking chairs, plus a nice wreath on the front door.
The Quail Valley Garden Club placed a well-deserved Yard of the Month sign in their front yard on Bonney Briar and presented the Blakley's with a gift card from Lowes, a one-year membership into the Quail Valley Garden Club, and a discount card from Enchanted Forest, along with a free pizza dinner from Double Daves Pizza.
Missouri City Councilman Floyd Emery presented the Blakley's with a certificate of appreciation from the City of Missouri City, thanking them for maintaining a very welcomed presence in the community.
Located left to right are Cher Binks, Lynn Ellis, Councilman Floyd Emery, Charlene Randall, Melissa Swanson, Cindy Blakley, Mark Blakley, Deborah Douglas, Sandy Cackowski and Bonnie Dolson.
September 2023 Hugo & Elizabeth Abrego, Oyster Creek
It happened again! The Quail Valley Garden Club found a lovely September Yard of the Month after a month long of temperatures in excess of 100 degrees. Elizabeth and Hugo Abrego are the proud homeowners of a spectacular yard. A mighty oak tree, being the centerpiece with lovely flowers around it, towers over a yard that has remained green during this drought. Elizabeth commented their "biggest challenge has been maintaining the yard that requires an ongoing effort." The brick lined flower bed placed around the well-trimmed oak also has landscape lighting that enhances the scene in the evenings.
The Abrego's were attracted to Quail Valley because it was an established community with a welcoming atmosphere, good schools and a general sense of safety. Living in Quail Valley for sixteen years, the Abrego's have enjoyed having close access to shopping, restaurants and entertainment, and last but least, raising their children in this community.
Elizabeth mentioned that both she and Hugo have always had an interest in gardening but gives her husband credit for having the green thumb. Hugo makes sure their garden is well maintained. Their inspiration to creating a lovely space was to add a decent size flower bed that would have a variety of flowers, plants and shrubs. They looked for color, texture and height variation to peek visual interest, and chose plants that can withstand the climate, especially the heat.
City of Missouri City Councilman Floyd Emory and City of Missouri City Community Engagement Coordinator, Renee Kross presented the Abrego's with a Certificate of Recognition. The Quail Valley Garden Club presented Elizabeth and Hugo with a gift card from Lowe's, a discount card to Enchanted Forest and a one-year free membership in the Garden Club.
For the first time ever, a local business in Missouri City, Double Dave's Pizza, Highway 6, in Missouri City, congratulated the Yard of the Month winners with a free pizza dinner. The Quail Valley Garden Club is grateful that Double Dave's Pizza has witnessed and appreciates the work that the Garden Club is doing for the residents of its community. The homeowners were delighted to receive the kind gesture from Double Dave's Pizza, and the Quail Valley Garden Club wants to let them know just how much their kindness is appreciated. Thank you Double Dave's!
Pictured left to right are: Renee Kross, Councilman Floyd Emory, Hugo and Elizabeth Abrego, Sandy Cackowski, Melissa Swanson, Nathan Walker, Cecilia Hernandez, Linda Walker and Deborah Douglas.
August 2023 Gary & Concepcion Murawka, Broadmoor Circle
During these long hot days in Texas, it was a difficult mission for the Quail Valley Garden Club members to locate a lovely yard worthy of the title "yard of the month." However, determination prevailed and now we have been able to grant this prestigious award from the Quail Valley Garden Club and the City of Missouri City to a worthy homeowner. It is with honor and privilege to award "yard of the month" to Concepcion and Gary Murawka. You may view their lovely landscape at 2807 Broadmoor Circle in Quail Valley. The Murawka's were attracted to Quail Valley twenty-three years ago because of the different and unique architectural designs of each home and the golf course.
Gary gives credit to Concepcion being the avid gardener who designs the placement of each plant and the layout of the garden beds. The beds are enclosed by bricks which Concepcion personally stained a nice brownish red hue. She has beautiful placement of plants with rocks intermingled throughout the beds which are fantastic. According to Concepcion, her friend brought these rocks back to her from her journeys to and from Mexico. Concepcion commented "I have prevailed because I have a great work ethic and I want it done properly and do it myself." Her word of advice in maintaining such a lovely place is to keep the weeds away, use black mulch, and plant shrubs and flowers that stay green all year long. Concepcion further mentioned that her inspiration is to be an example for the neighborhood to become more beautiful like her landscaping.
This home was selected because of the newness and beautifully maintained yard. There were lots of well-placed plants with a beautiful crepe myrtle tree that really stands out with color. The healthy foxtail ferns and planters with plants along the side of the house were extremely eye catching. All in all, the homeowners showcased perfect landscaping that is beautiful with lots of healthy plants.
1st picture: Concepcion and Gary Murawka
Group picture left to right: Cecilia Hernandez, Sandy Cackowski, Gretchen Cockerill, Jane Thompson, Melissa Swanson, Concepcion and Gary Marawka, Missouri City Councilman, Floyd Emory and Missouri City's Deputy City Manager, Jerrell Horace
July 2023 Peter & Lourdes Dela Mora, East Creek Club
PRESS RELEASE
The Quail Valley Garden Club has found a lovely yard that was named July 2023 Yard of the Month. During the midst of the heat, Lourdes and Peter Dela Mora maintained the beauty of their yard. These homeowners have lived in Quail Valley over 35 years. Lourdes commented they found Quail Valley appealing because their kids had formed friends here, and because Quail Valley was a nice and quiet neighborhood. She further commented she uses gardening as a type of therapy by enjoying the beauty of the blooming flowers. Lourdes and Peter love to spend their time together in the garden amongst the beauty and quietness of the numerous plants.
The DeLa Mora’s home is located at East Creel Club. Being nominated for the Yard of the Month award came from a neighbor who feels the yard “makes you smile when you see it”. The garden is well maintained with an assortment of plants and trees. The lush appearance is wonderful. There is a walkway to the front foyer entrance that is layered in beautiful healthy plants and colorful flowers, giving the area a very mystical feel to it. Lourdes has added decorative pots, chairs, fountains, wheel barrels and whimsical figurines.
The DeLa Mora’s were presented with a Beautification Recognition Certificate by the City of Missouri City, presented by Ramona Smith. Additionally, the Quail Valley Garden Club gave the DeLa Mora’s a gift card from Lowe’s Home Improvement and a discount card to Enchanted Forest/Gardens. The Quail Valley Garden Club issued a one-year club membership which was presented by co-chair Melissa Swanson.
The Quail Valley Garden Club is in its 52nd year and looks forward to promoting our homeowners who show effort and love of their homes by giving their yards and landscapes lots of attention. For this reason, the Quail Valley Garden Club honors monthly awards to our homeowners by presenting a Yard of the Month award. These awards are given March through November. If you would like to nominate an exceptional garden or front yard/landscaping, please contact us @ TalkToUs@quailvalleygardenclub.org. Thank you in advance for any consideration you may have our wonderful garden club.
Pictured front row left to right: Sandy Cackowski, President, Melissa Swanson, Lourdes Dela Mora
Back row left to right: Romana Smith, Cher Binks, Lynn Ellis, Marilyne Malone, Gretchen Cockerill, Lela Burgess, Becky Faust, Regina Petrauskas, and Jane Thompson
June 2023 Matt & Colleen Oliver, 3119 Oakleaf Ct
May 2023 Brian & Marilyne Malone, Villa Ln
April 2023 Edwin & Tanya Chovanetz, Glenn Lakes Ln
March 2023 Bruce & Kamilah Elliot, Bermuda Dunes
November 2022 Faye Roach
October 2022 Owen & Deborah Matherne on Bermuda Dunes
September 2022 Shaun & Joyce Moore Masters Lane
August 2022 Elsie Adams on El Dorado
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July 2022 Peter & Donna Haselow on Thunderbird
June 2022 Ron & Paige Suder on Golden Hills Lane
May 2022 Randy and Janet Gilmore on Rolling Green
April 2022 Julia Hardy on Boca Raton
March 2022 Marc Metze on Robinson Rd
November 2021 John & Carol Parson on Olympia Dr
October 2021 Robert & Cynthia Stewart on West Valley Dr
September 2021 John & Dona Lohman on Silver Springs Dr
August 2021 Bill & Cindy White Robinson Rd.
July 2021 Cathleen Gentry & Justin Wentz 3414 La Costa
June 2021 Michael & Beverly Wilson 3131 Villa
May 2021 Eric & Kim Unger 3307 Deerwood
April 2021 Stewart & Susie Shofner & Marlene Schnick 3126 Glenn Lakes Lane
November 2020 Ken & M’Liss Thunderbird St
October 2020 Chris & Mia Crochet 3145 Robinson Rd
September 2020 Claude and Teresa Griffin 2314 Pecan Valley Court
August 2020 Jack & Sherrie Bub, 2114 N. Fountain Valley
July 2020 Alvin & Laura Gray 2018 Masters Ln
June 2020 Joe & Nancy Poggee 3127 Peach Tree Lane
May 2020 Trevor & Karen Sievers 3911 High Pine
April 2020 Pete & Barbara Thompson 3107 Oak Leaf Ct
November 2019 Joe and Donna Regina 3643 Robinson Rd
October 2019 Elsie Adams 3543 El Dorado
September 2019 Michael & Margo Robinson 3102 La Quinta
August 2019 Deryl and Shirley Knox 2719 Bermuda Dunes Dr.
July 2019 Charlotte Groves 3406 Rolling Green
June 2019 Fred and Carol Grates 3902 East Creek Club
May 2019 Norman & Dana Soutar 2914 Hampton Dr
April 2019
March 2019
November 2018
October 2018
September 2018
August 2018
July 2018
May 2018
March 2018
November 2017
October 2017
August 2017
July 2017
June 2017
May 2017
April 2017
March 2017
November 2016
October 2016
September 2016
Paulette and Gregory Stafford, 3519 Glenn Lakes Lane
August 2016
July 2016
Kyle Pedwell and David Clardy, 3139 Glenn Lakes Lane
June 2016
May 2016
May 2016 Gretchen Cockerill, 3414 High Pine Dr.
April 2016
April 2016 Bonita and John Fox, 3735 Panaroma Drive
March 2016
March 2016 Recipient Barbara Barnett, 3818 Pleasant Valley Dr.
November 2015
October 2015
October 2015 Recipients, Nancy and Peter Dawson, 3102 Robinson Rd
Nancy and Bloomer enjoying their garden
September 2015
September 2015 Recipients, Barbara and LV Davis, 4011 Mission Valley Dr.
Yard of the Month Committee Chair, Karen Segura Santos