January 2023: 5211 Richard Ave

Kicking off 2023 with an elegant “bang”, we congratulate Annette Crow at 5211 Richard for being selected as VPNA’s January 2023’s Yard of the Month winner!

Originally from Louisiana, Annette bought her beautiful Craftsman home in Vickery Place in 2012. She was attracted to the unique styles and character of homes in our neighborhood and enjoys the proximity to Downtown, the Arts District, and so many great restaurants nearby. Annette currently shares her 100-year-old home (built in 1922) with Bailey and Pinto, her 2 adorable dogs, as well as visiting friends who stay in her fabulous guest house.

Annette’s front yard is a lush carpet of rye grass that does so well in a Texas winter. Ornamental cabbage and colorful pansies bring life to her peaceful landscape. Annette’s neighbor planted a drought-free yard with grass and beds that required zero to no water. Inspired to minimize her water consumption too, Annette has been selecting low maintenance plantings with minimal water needs and is slowly removing more and more of her sprinkler system. This is such a smart mindset as all of us seek to be more responsible in our use of this limited natural resource.

Fascinating tip from Annette is another “do-good” idea. When planting beds and pots, fertilize with Zoo Poo. Zoo Poo is 100% Organic Herbivore Compost created from recycled animal matter from the elephants, giraffes, and hippos who live at the Dallas Zoo. It can be purchased in small or large bags. Annette says it’s a game changer for her plants and, as a member of the Dallas Zoo herself, likes that proceeds go to a very worthy cause, close to her animal-loving heart.

When asked about lessons learned, Annette shared she loves Punch-Out Roses, but they can be difficult to grow long-term and problematic to the soil if they experience an infestation. She now selects more resilient plantings that will look great for years to come. She also advises finding a great pest control company, just in case. Annette love www.CritterControlDallas.com

Congratulations again to Annette, Bailey, and Pinto at 5211 Richard for being our 1st Yard of The Month winner in 2023.

We also want to send a big thank you to North Haven Gardens for their sponsorship and for the $50 gift card they generously award our winners!