MCRD/ERR PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. -- Spring is quickly approaching and Tri-Command Military Housing is gearing up to begin its yearly "Yard of the Month" competitions.
"Yard of the Month" typically starts in April, runs through the summer months and ends in September," said Jennifer Cooper, marketing and public relations director for Tri-Command Military Housing.
The yards of the month, which are recognized as the most beautified and well-kept lawns within each of the military housing communities, are judged by the Tri-Command community managers and have no set requirements for the competition. However, yards still need to meet a certain level of appeal, said Cooper.
"Obviously, we are looking for a clean, well-maintained, attractive lawn," said Cooper. "[Winning lawns typically have] attractive flower beds, neatly-kept yard areas and tasteful yard decorations. [They are] places where you know people enjoy being around."
Each community aboard MCRD Parris Island, MCAS Beaufort, Laurel Bay and Pine Grove will feature its own yard of the month.
"The total number of winners depends on how many neighborhoods there are on the property," said Cooper. "So Weapons Sound would have a winner and Wake Village would have a winner and so on."
Each installation awards different prizes to its winners, said Cooper.
"Each winner in each different neighborhood [on Parris Island] receives a $25 gift certificate to a home improvement store, a yard sign [denoting a "Yard of the Month" winner] they can display for their month and an up-front parking space at the commissary that declares "Yard of the Month" winner," said Cooper.
For residents who were not born with a green thumb, the time to begin planting flowers and shrubbery is now, said Angela Mills, an assistant store manager at a local home improvement store.
"Be careful of planting anything in the fall due to frost," said Mills.
Snapdragons, pansies, gerberas, daffodils, petunias, bougainvillea trellises and the many varieties of lilies, including tiger and asiatic lilies are all plants to consider for the Spring season, said Mills.
For more information regarding "Yard of the Month," contact Tri-Command Military Housing at 228-2853.
For more information regarding care and treatment of spring vegetation, visit a local nursery or home improvement store.