Beautification

Yard of the Month /  by Guest User

Yard of the Month is honoring 90-year-old Peggy Williamson at 3206 Morrison. Peggy works in her yard planting and maintaining her array of flowering plants and vegetables. An organic farmer before it became popular, oak leaves are her preferred mulch and top coat for her plantings. Some of the plants found in her yard include a huge plumeria in the side yard, firecracker plants, lilies and roses. Tomatoes, eggplants and other cooler weather veggies line her driveway and grow in her backyard.

Peggy moved into her house in 1933 as a seven year old. She attended Travis Elementary for one year then transferred to Incarnate Word Academy riding the Houston Avenue trolley downtown to school every day. After graduating, Peggy entered the working world and had a long career with Prudential Insurance until her retirement. After her mom died in 1962, Peggy moved back home to help care for her dad. She only began gardening after moving back home. Known for her Lights in the Heights parties, she threw her last one at age 89! In the evenings, you will find Peggy and her beloved pooch, Gin Gin, relaxing at home with a nip of bourbon.

Yard of the Month /  by Guest User

There is never a time when I drive by this house, that I don't love it! Donald Clay at 626 Omar has a knack for choosing plants that are not ordinary and they are beautifully maintained. His yard is manicured, well cared for and no matter the time of year, it looks splendid. I especially love the evergreen Wisteria on the arbor and the Weeping Crabapple tree in front of it. The Pride of Barbados planted next to the utility pole is the perfect way to enhance an otherwise eyesore. The hedge is Cuban Gold (Duranta).

Take some to walk by and see it for yourself!  You won't regret it.

Brigette Larson
WHCA Beautification

Ley Plaza Butterfly Garden – Yard of the Month /  by Guest User

This month I’d like to shout out special recognition to neighborhood volunteers who have, since 2007, put in many, many hours to create and sustain our wonderful butterfly garden at Ley Plaza Park. Jennifer Sanchez with Texas Fish and Wildlife recently donated lots of new native plants to our pretty garden and once again these neighbors stepped up to make sure they were planted.  Your dedicated neighbors are: Dan Rueda, Cal Sercu and her daughters Amalie and Leisl, Jayne Porter, Morgan Towsen and her infant son Noah, Pat Rutledge, Louise Moss, Thane and Nicole Wyman and Kathleen Boyd and her daughter, Persi AND their fearless leader Pat German. If it wasn’t for Pat’s initial suggestion to create a butterfly garden and her subsequent contact with the Houston Parks and Recreation Department back in 2007, this garden would not exist.

Thank you Pat and all of your volunteers who love and maintain our beautiful garden. The park is located on White Oak Drive between Thelma and Gladys Streets.

– Brigette Larson, VP Beautification

Taking Nominations for VP Beautification /  by Guest User

Our beloved VP Beautification, Vicky Bettis, is resigning, so the WHCA is in need of a new VP Beautification and is taking nominations. The VP Beautification is in charge of awarding the Yard of the Month and of heading up various beautification projects in the neighborhood. If you're interested, please send a short explanation of your qualifications and the reasons you'd like to take on this WHCA Board position. Keep in mind that you must be a member of the WHCA to hold this or any other Board position. We look forward to hearing from all interested candidates.

Norhill Esplanade Improvements /  by Guest User

Several weeks ago work was completed at Norhill Esplanade to improve the green space. As more events are held at this neighborhood gem, it is important that it be properly maintained. A landscape company aerated and added organic fertilizer and compost to the grassy areas.

The improvement to our green space was provided by Woodland Heights Civic Association and is a direct result of your membership dollars at work and WHCA’s commitment to keep Woodland Heights green.

Questions or comments? Contact the Beautification Committee.