For the month of February, the Lake Forest Garden Club “Yard of the Month” award was given to the grand home and gardens of Jeff and Ellene Fisher, at 106 Bucu Circle. The Fisher’s have lived at their Lake Forest address for only 3 years. When Jeff and Ellene first moved to Lake Forest, they lived on Hope Drive. While looking for a suitable lot to build on they stumbled upon this former lease home that was in definite need of some tender loving care. Although the front yard was in total disrepair, the Fisher’s saw potential for this beautiful brick two-story. In October 2005, just two weeks before Hurricane Katrina, Jeff and Ellene closed on the property. After several months of planning and hard work, they moved into their cozy new home in February of 2006.

Jeff and Ellene’s beautiful lawn and gardens began as an ordinary wooded lot. In order for the Fisher’s landscaping dream to com true, they had to start from the very beginning, clearing the lot. After clearing the property, soil samples were done and dirt was brought in, enriching their plant beds. With the help of a landscaping company, they put together a plan, choosing plants that would stay green all year round. Included in the preparation was a total irrigation system. Rye grass was planted, plants were arranged, and trees were added. Only five months after the property was purchased, the remarkable transformation was complete.

As you approach the Fisher’s home, you will notice the attractive brick planters that stage the entry of the concrete walk with brick edged accents. Purple verbena can be found along each side, while variegated liriope forms a border beside the walkway. The front of the house is lined with five to eight cedar topiaries. The topiaries are each carefully placed in appropriate areas giving balance to a combination of sago palms, triple lady palms, lantana, and day lilies. This symmetrical pattern gives the handsome brick staircase an inviting influence to the entry of their home. The plant beds are curved and when trimming is necessary, the bushes are rounded, to keep with the landscaping theme. Although during these winter months the lantana has been cut back, white and yellow flowers can be seen spread over the plant beds when in bloom. Planted along the north end of the property, encore azaleas are just starting to bloom.

A narrow walkway leads you to the side entry of the home. Mexican heather is planted at the foot of the stairs leading to the side porch. On both the front balcony and side porch, you will find flowerpots full of begonias and aloe, along with hanging baskets of ferns and petunias that have survived the winter. In order to keep the plants happy and healthy, the Fisher’s have a drip system set up for all the hanging baskets and potted plants. The system also has a port for fertilizer. No matter the season, something is always in bloom at the home of Jeff and Ellene Fisher.

The February yard of the month is not to be missed! Thanks to Jeff and Ellene for all their hard work.

If anyone has a yard in mind that is worthy of “Yard of the Month” award, please contact Patty Kearney at 510-7417. Thanks so much.