The Helena Beautification Award is presented to homeowners that exhibit excellence and inspiration in residential landscaping.
The Beautification award is presented based on guidelines* as noted below:
January, February, March, April:
No award will be given.
May, Jun, July, August, and September:
Awards will be presented monthly with nominations accepted until the 25th of each month for the next month’s award. (Nominations open March 1st of each year and end August 25th.) The winner will be selected and notified at the first of the following month. Each winner will proudly display a yard sign for the month of their award and have their story posted on the Helena Beautiful website as well as in local media.
October and November:
During autumn, the award will be presented to residents that exhibit excellence in fall/harvest decorations. Nominations will be accepted beginning August 25 of each year for October and November awards. Each winner will proudly display a yard sign for the month of their award and have their story posted on the Helena Beautiful website as well as in local media.
December:
The People’s Choice. At Christmas, two awards will be presented to residents that exhibit excellence in holiday decorations based on the number of online votes each nominee receives in two categories:
“Martha Stewart Award” – Most Tastefully Decorated House
“Clark Griswold Award” – Over the Top Decorated House
Christmas nomination dates to be announced each year on our homepage and on social media. Each winner will proudly display a yard sign for the month of their award and have their story posted on the Helena Beautiful website as well as in local media.
*Guidelines adopted by board on 7/10/2017
January, February, March, April:
No award will be given.
May, Jun, July, August, and September:
Awards will be presented monthly with nominations accepted until the 25th of each month for the next month’s award. (Nominations open March 1st of each year and end August 25th.) The winner will be selected and notified at the first of the following month. Each winner will proudly display a yard sign for the month of their award and have their story posted on the Helena Beautiful website as well as in local media.
October and November:
During autumn, the award will be presented to residents that exhibit excellence in fall/harvest decorations. Nominations will be accepted beginning August 25 of each year for October and November awards. Each winner will proudly display a yard sign for the month of their award and have their story posted on the Helena Beautiful website as well as in local media.
December:
The People’s Choice. At Christmas, two awards will be presented to residents that exhibit excellence in holiday decorations based on the number of online votes each nominee receives in two categories:
“Martha Stewart Award” – Most Tastefully Decorated House
“Clark Griswold Award” – Over the Top Decorated House
Christmas nomination dates to be announced each year on our homepage and on social media. Each winner will proudly display a yard sign for the month of their award and have their story posted on the Helena Beautiful website as well as in local media.
*Guidelines adopted by board on 7/10/2017
|
|
|
July 2018
100 Creekwater Street
Kim & Tom Edwards
This imposing residence is affectionately called “Mount Edwards“ as it sits atop a hill. Built 2014 by local builder Brett Winford, the homes floorplan was designed by its owners. “We found a floorplan we wanted and with a few tweaks, we made it our own, says Kim. The driveway leading up to the house is lined with tall pine trees creating an inviting drive up to the house.
Alongside the driveway you’ll find shade and sun gardens in addition to a dry creek bed they created themselves to alleviate a drainage issue and bring beauty and functionality to the space. Her desire was to create a “self-maintaining landscape” and they are achieving that by selecting the right plants for the right space. In shady areas, Limelight hydrangeas, hosts, elephant ears along with iris, daylilies and cannas bring texture and interest to the garden. On the sunny side of the drive and interspersed throughout the property you’ll find colorful perennials and shrubs planted for maximum display potential. Drift roses, lantana, mandevilla, gladiolus, Nikko Blue hydrangeas as well as many other plants that create a striking display along the hillside garden. Around back, you’ll find an outdoor oasis with a pool, outdoor fireplace and beautifully crafted patio that looks like one large slab of stone. “Everyone needs a pink flamingo near the pool, don’t you think?” said Kim. This fun element adds whimsy to the garden. Their next move: A self-poured stone path.
“Each year we allocate funds for garden projects and we spend hours in this garden making it happen, says Tom. Their hours of hard work and dedication have paid off.
Alongside the driveway you’ll find shade and sun gardens in addition to a dry creek bed they created themselves to alleviate a drainage issue and bring beauty and functionality to the space. Her desire was to create a “self-maintaining landscape” and they are achieving that by selecting the right plants for the right space. In shady areas, Limelight hydrangeas, hosts, elephant ears along with iris, daylilies and cannas bring texture and interest to the garden. On the sunny side of the drive and interspersed throughout the property you’ll find colorful perennials and shrubs planted for maximum display potential. Drift roses, lantana, mandevilla, gladiolus, Nikko Blue hydrangeas as well as many other plants that create a striking display along the hillside garden. Around back, you’ll find an outdoor oasis with a pool, outdoor fireplace and beautifully crafted patio that looks like one large slab of stone. “Everyone needs a pink flamingo near the pool, don’t you think?” said Kim. This fun element adds whimsy to the garden. Their next move: A self-poured stone path.
“Each year we allocate funds for garden projects and we spend hours in this garden making it happen, says Tom. Their hours of hard work and dedication have paid off.
The Edwards' Home
Plant List
Plant List
|
* Buddleia
* Canna * Limelight Hydrangea * Nikko Blue Hydrangea |
* Drift Roses
* Red Cascade Rose * Hosta * Elephant Ears |
* Gladiolus
* Confederate Jasmine * Mandevilla * Irises |
* Lantana
* Japanese Maples * Pines * Leyland Cypress |
June 2018
100 Chestnut Forest Circle
Larry & Vickie Bozeman
Larry and Vickie Bozeman moved to 100 Chestnut Forest Circle eight years ago after Larry promised his grandson they’d move closer to them after he retired. “I originally found Helena while helping my daughter and her family find a home in the Birmingham area. They moved up on South Shades Crest and when I retired and my grandson reminded me of my promise, I knew Helena was the place for us. said Larry.” Once settled in, the couple began building a beautiful landscape with a lush lawn, trees, shrubs, perennials and annuals and even installed a pond. With a mix of sun and shade, they planted the right plant in the right place for maximum impact.
From the street, you notice a lovely mailbox planting that draws your eye up to the front entry where planters are tiered on the porch and filled with colorful annuals that create a warm welcome. The side yard boasts a shade garden with plantings of azaleas, crepe myrtles, oak leaf hydrangeas, irises, autumn fern and obedience. Further up the hill, you notice the perennial garden. Planted with a Japanese maple, plantings of sage, bee balm, asters, foxtail ferns and many other plants all of which provide three seasons of color and interest to the garden. “It’s a labor of love, I love digging in this garden, says Vickie”
“We are the first house at the entrance to the neighborhood. That comes with some additional responsibility. The first house, sets the tone for all others. It’s the first thing you see when you pull in. Out back, you’ll find a custom-built pond. We moved twelve thousand pounds of north Alabama stone to this garden to create this pond it we surrounded it with water loving plants and filled it with water lilies. We’ve also found some room to grow a few tomatoes, said Larry. “
All in all, this entire landscape comes together to create harmony and balance not only for the Bozeman’s but for the entire neighborhood. Thanks for making Helena Beautiful.
From the street, you notice a lovely mailbox planting that draws your eye up to the front entry where planters are tiered on the porch and filled with colorful annuals that create a warm welcome. The side yard boasts a shade garden with plantings of azaleas, crepe myrtles, oak leaf hydrangeas, irises, autumn fern and obedience. Further up the hill, you notice the perennial garden. Planted with a Japanese maple, plantings of sage, bee balm, asters, foxtail ferns and many other plants all of which provide three seasons of color and interest to the garden. “It’s a labor of love, I love digging in this garden, says Vickie”
“We are the first house at the entrance to the neighborhood. That comes with some additional responsibility. The first house, sets the tone for all others. It’s the first thing you see when you pull in. Out back, you’ll find a custom-built pond. We moved twelve thousand pounds of north Alabama stone to this garden to create this pond it we surrounded it with water loving plants and filled it with water lilies. We’ve also found some room to grow a few tomatoes, said Larry. “
All in all, this entire landscape comes together to create harmony and balance not only for the Bozeman’s but for the entire neighborhood. Thanks for making Helena Beautiful.
The Bozeman's Home
Plant List
Plant List
|
* Boxwoods
* Encore Azaleas * Oak Leaf Hydrangea * Million Bells * Snap Dragon |
* Aster
* Autumn Fern * Bee Balm * Black Eyed Susan * Foxtail Fern |
* Iris
* Lambs Ear * Obedience * Sage * Vinca |
* Crepe Myrtles
* Japanese Maples * Bermuda (Sunny Areas) * St. Augustine (Shade Areas) |
May 2018
100 River Crest Circle South
Zulfi Merchant & Victoria Graham
What began five years ago as a new home with just two sapling trees has now been transformed into a lush garden space full of both color and structure. This charming corner lot has become a focal point along the street with the array of stone borders brought in by Zulfi himself. The borders form flower beds that are filled with colorful roses and other perennials. As you stroll through the garden your eye is taken with the color of over sixty roses. “I was inspired by the city’s use of roses throughout Helena, and just had to add some to my own garden” says Victoria. “They are much easier to grow than I ever imagined.”
Arborvitaes line the back fence and create a striking backdrop alongside plantings of Dogwoods, Crepe Myrtles and River Birch trees. The arbors and trellises are lined with climbing roses, confederate jasmine and an inviting grape arbor. Along the shady side of the house is a collection of low growing Japanese Maples. Victoria says they love to use containers and statues in the garden and as you walk through, you see many planted with colorful annuals. “This garden is definitely a labor of love” says Victoria.
Arborvitaes line the back fence and create a striking backdrop alongside plantings of Dogwoods, Crepe Myrtles and River Birch trees. The arbors and trellises are lined with climbing roses, confederate jasmine and an inviting grape arbor. Along the shady side of the house is a collection of low growing Japanese Maples. Victoria says they love to use containers and statues in the garden and as you walk through, you see many planted with colorful annuals. “This garden is definitely a labor of love” says Victoria.
Zulfi and Victoria's
Plant List
Plant List
|
* Arborvitae
* Bridal Wreath Spirea * Confederate Jasmine * Crepe Myrtles |
* Daylilies
* Dogwoods * Grape Arbor * Mint |
* Japanese Maples
* River Birch * 30 Varieties of Roses |
2017
November 2017
|
November 2017
|
Driving by you are treated to a mixture of all things that make this time of year so special. From rocking chairs on the front porch to hand decorated pumpkins mingling in with the fall annuals; great uses of both hard and soft scape can be found at the blink of an eye.
Moving to Helena two years ago from North Carolina, Alexia who is a landscape designer quickly realized that just because the zones for North Carolina and Alabama were the same didn’t mean the same plants would take hold. The front of the home is graced with a mixture of pansies, ornamental cabbage and sky blue violas. “One of the best ways I have found to optimize color with annuals is to mingle both summer annuals and fall annuals together until the first frost” said Alexia. |
As the temperatures drop, Laura and Brandon Mayer at Mayer Insurance have been heating up Old Town with their festive fall displays. Located at 4094 Helena Road, this month’s beautification award winner includes fall themed items surrounding a beautiful garden bench that catch the eye of all who pass by in Old Town.
The Mayer family has called Helena home for the last 13 years and has made a name for themselves with their ability to keep the storefront always looking beautiful on the main commercial stretch of Helena. Brandon is quick to point out that “all of the hard work keeping the Mayer Insurance building looking as beautiful as it does is all Laura.” Whether you are walking through Old Town or stopped at the train tracks; be sure to look over and take in all of the great fall colors at Mayer Insurance. |
|
|
|
|
The Furr Home
Plant List |
Mayer Insurance
Plant List |
|
* Begonias
* Mums * Ornamental Cabbage * Pure Color Pansies * Sky Blue Violas |
* Celosia
* Chrysanthemum * Mums * Heirloom Pumpkins * Ornamental Cabbage |
* Ornamental Peppers
* Ornamental Squash * Pampas Grass * Pansies * Sweet Potato Vine |
October 2017
850 Old Cahaba Drive
Kathy & Jo Sciarrotta
Fall is in the air and the Sciarrottas have been busy decorating for the season. Located at 850 Old Cahaba Drive, this month’s beautification award winner includes some fall themed items, a shout out to the Helena Huskies and a sentimental journey.
Kathy, who also loves pottery placed her turquoise pieces on the front steps. They make a pretty accent filled with seasonal flowers. Nothing says autumn like yellow mums and the Sciarrotta’s placement of yellow mums on their “Husky Blue” bench near the front walk accented by pumpkins makes a charming display. Along the fence, a row of corn husks anchored at the base by colorful mums round out the display. “My grandmother was a gardener.” says Kathy. “The watering can in one of the display beds was hers. It’s a reminder to me that she is always with us.”
Kathy, who also loves pottery placed her turquoise pieces on the front steps. They make a pretty accent filled with seasonal flowers. Nothing says autumn like yellow mums and the Sciarrotta’s placement of yellow mums on their “Husky Blue” bench near the front walk accented by pumpkins makes a charming display. Along the fence, a row of corn husks anchored at the base by colorful mums round out the display. “My grandmother was a gardener.” says Kathy. “The watering can in one of the display beds was hers. It’s a reminder to me that she is always with us.”
September 2017
1126 Dearing Downs Drive
Carol & Doug Rickles
The tin roof of the ranch style home is perfectly situated in a neighborhood named for thoroughbreds. The Rickles have called 1126 Dearing Downs Drive their home for the past 36 years, continuously working to make it the beauty it has become.
A sloping landscape allows your eyes to roll through the lush green grass up to an inviting porch where color and texture are on full display. “It’s a great place to sit and relax and unwind”, says Carol. Beautifully positioned planters surround you as you sit and relax and are full of various varieties of Caladium, Sun Patients, ferns and Morning Glory. The front porch is flanked by a graceful red Camilla that provides color in the winter months. Further down this planting bed, you’ll find pink Encore repeat blooming Azaleas as well as Anabelle Hydrangeas which are mixed in with rock hardscapes. No detail is too small. The back fence is the perfect backdrop for a gorgeous fragrant rose ‘Lamaraque’. This beautiful white noisette rose is joined on the fence by the sweet aroma of fragrance of Honeysuckle. A lover of birds, you’ll find a whimsical custom bird feeder positioned so it can be viewed from inside. “We took care of my mother in law and loved to watch the birds from the window each day. It brought her great joy in the final days of her life. We love Helena and have loved gardening on this lot for many years, said Rickles.
A sloping landscape allows your eyes to roll through the lush green grass up to an inviting porch where color and texture are on full display. “It’s a great place to sit and relax and unwind”, says Carol. Beautifully positioned planters surround you as you sit and relax and are full of various varieties of Caladium, Sun Patients, ferns and Morning Glory. The front porch is flanked by a graceful red Camilla that provides color in the winter months. Further down this planting bed, you’ll find pink Encore repeat blooming Azaleas as well as Anabelle Hydrangeas which are mixed in with rock hardscapes. No detail is too small. The back fence is the perfect backdrop for a gorgeous fragrant rose ‘Lamaraque’. This beautiful white noisette rose is joined on the fence by the sweet aroma of fragrance of Honeysuckle. A lover of birds, you’ll find a whimsical custom bird feeder positioned so it can be viewed from inside. “We took care of my mother in law and loved to watch the birds from the window each day. It brought her great joy in the final days of her life. We love Helena and have loved gardening on this lot for many years, said Rickles.
The Rickles Home
Plant List
Plant List
|
* Annabelle Hydrangea
* Azalea * Caladium * Fern * Gardenia |
* Honeysuckle
* Japanese Maple * Lamarque Rose * Morning Glory * Purple Heart |
* Red Camellia
* Stella de Oro Daylily * Sun Patience * The Fairy Rose |
August 2017
313 Lakewood Circle
Jennie & Brian Shannon
Nineteen varieties of plants strategically placed throughout the landscape allow for continuous transitions of color and height. For the past two years, the Shannon Family have called 313 Lakewood Circle home, and a beautiful home it is. The Tudor style design is offset by a beautiful landscape.
As you approach the house, one of the first things that will catch your eye is the Sweet Potato vine that gracefully drapes over the retaining wall by the driveway. That wall is capped on the end with an impressive planter generously planted with seasonal annuals. Quickly, your eyes then move up to the front of the house where you’ll find plantings of Petunia, Vinca and Zinnias all of which that make a bright color combination. The use of hanging baskets and containers throughout the landscape offers just the right touch of form and color in this garden. "Gardening is a family effort here. All of our children help; They weed, mow, plant and we grow together as a family.” says Jennie. “My Mom is going to be so proud. She is an avid gardener and taught me so much about plants and gardening”, Jennie said.
Photo credits to John Hodge Photography.
As you approach the house, one of the first things that will catch your eye is the Sweet Potato vine that gracefully drapes over the retaining wall by the driveway. That wall is capped on the end with an impressive planter generously planted with seasonal annuals. Quickly, your eyes then move up to the front of the house where you’ll find plantings of Petunia, Vinca and Zinnias all of which that make a bright color combination. The use of hanging baskets and containers throughout the landscape offers just the right touch of form and color in this garden. "Gardening is a family effort here. All of our children help; They weed, mow, plant and we grow together as a family.” says Jennie. “My Mom is going to be so proud. She is an avid gardener and taught me so much about plants and gardening”, Jennie said.
Photo credits to John Hodge Photography.
The Shannon Home
Plant List
Plant List
|
* Basil
* Boxwood * Creeping Jenny * Dragon Wing Begonia * Elephant Ears |
* Geranium
* Hosta * Impatiens * Kimberly Queen Fern * Knock Out Rose |
* Lantana
* Margarita Sweet Potato Vine * Morning Glory Vine * Petunia * Purple Tradescantia |
* Sunshine Ligustrum
* Verbena * Vinca * Zinnia |
July 2017
9040 Brookline Lane
Theresa & Eric Kendrick
Gardening in a small space is a challenge for some, but not for Theresa and Eric Kendrick of Helena. They’ve transformed their landscape on Brookline Lane into a colorful paradise. Well shaped foundation plantings of boxwoods give form and structure to the space while creative use of containers provide punches of color along the driveway and entry. Hanging baskets draw the eye upward and provide additional interest to the residence.
Theresa does a masterful job color blocking containers for maximum impact. Her use of Hibiscus, petunias, creeping jenny, impatiens, and other vines all blend together to create an inviting space. “Gardening is therapy to me”, says Theresa. “My time in the garden helps to relieve stress while making the world around me a more beautiful place. “ Kendrick said.
Photo credits to Christie and John Hodge Photography.
Theresa does a masterful job color blocking containers for maximum impact. Her use of Hibiscus, petunias, creeping jenny, impatiens, and other vines all blend together to create an inviting space. “Gardening is therapy to me”, says Theresa. “My time in the garden helps to relieve stress while making the world around me a more beautiful place. “ Kendrick said.
Photo credits to Christie and John Hodge Photography.
June 2017
118 1st Avenue West
Monica Josephson & Richard Glover
The next time you are driving through Old Town be sure to make a quick turn onto 1st Ave West to go and take in the beauty of Monica and Richard’s home. Nestled right off the main roads you are quickly greeted with a lush lawn, flowers, shrubs and art that is surrounding the beauty of the 119 year-old home.
Their landscape consists of a row of Forsynthia lining the street edge, Confederate Jasmine, Boxwoods, roses, Daylilies, Canalilies and Dwarf Magnolias. As you pull up to the house you will notice the intermixing of flowers and art that bring out the beauty of one another. The corner of the yard greets passers by with a sculpture created by Alabama artist David Hammock. As you look to the front porch you are quickly drawn to the hanging baskets and swing that welcomes all with a custom piece created locally by JnS Creations. But the art that brings this house to life are the various stained glass windows that have been created and installed by Monica.
Photo credits to Christie and John Hodge Photography.
Their landscape consists of a row of Forsynthia lining the street edge, Confederate Jasmine, Boxwoods, roses, Daylilies, Canalilies and Dwarf Magnolias. As you pull up to the house you will notice the intermixing of flowers and art that bring out the beauty of one another. The corner of the yard greets passers by with a sculpture created by Alabama artist David Hammock. As you look to the front porch you are quickly drawn to the hanging baskets and swing that welcomes all with a custom piece created locally by JnS Creations. But the art that brings this house to life are the various stained glass windows that have been created and installed by Monica.
Photo credits to Christie and John Hodge Photography.
May 2017
179 River Oaks Drive
Charles & Mary Butler
Driving through Riverwoods, the Butler’s landscape is sure to catch the eye with precision trimmed hedges and stunning colors of flowers lining the front porch. Residents of Helena for 6 years, Mr. and Mrs. Butler, retired Assistant Principle at Hoover High and retired teacher at Mount Olive Elementary respectively, take immense pride in their property along with the joy it can bring to others.
The Butler’s landscape consists of bright pink and yellow snap dragon, pansies, boxwoods lining the driveway and holly bushes that shape up the edges of the driveway and corner of the house. A berm on the side of their property leading down to the house lined is with rows of juniper, Double Knock Out roses, oakleaf hydrangeas, crepe myrtles and loropetalum.
The Butler’s landscape consists of bright pink and yellow snap dragon, pansies, boxwoods lining the driveway and holly bushes that shape up the edges of the driveway and corner of the house. A berm on the side of their property leading down to the house lined is with rows of juniper, Double Knock Out roses, oakleaf hydrangeas, crepe myrtles and loropetalum.
| helena_beautification_award_guidelines.pdf |