Shields’ lawn represents Yards of Madison style
Clyde and Ruthie Shields’ lawn, a Yards of Madison honoree, has a lush spread of Bermuda grass and deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs. (CONTRIBUTED)
MADISON – Clyde and Ruthie Shields on Arabian Drive are among several homeowners recognized in the Yards of Madison program for June.
The Madison Beautification and Tree Board established Yards of Madison “to honor homeowners who excel in maintaining beautiful yards in their neighborhoods,” board member Rose Berry said. Only residents of Madison are eligible for a nomination by any resident or homeowner’s association in Madison.
Lawns are not judged. All nominees are ‘winners,’ Berry said. Honorees receive an appreciation certificate with the mayor’s signature.
The Shields family moved to Madison 17 years ago in the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) influx from St. Louis. Clyde Shields retired from U.S. military service and then from federal employment.
“We have Bermuda grass in our lawn. Sometimes, I add a little iron but we really do no more than the lawn service,” Ruthie said.
Knockout roses are prominent in the landscape. Ruthie is partial to classic tones of her red Japanese maples. Normally, the hydragenas have pink and purple blooms, but this year blue tones are showing. Gardenias add a sweet fragrance.
“For the porch, I go and get flowers that I think are pretty and blend them in together. I make a wreath to go with my flowers,” Ruthie said.
“I love the outdoors. I enjoy and love working in my yard,” Ruthie said.
Other Yard of Madison honorees are Mark and Denise Braswell, the Crane family, William and Judi Hornsey, Javin and Yvonne Crutcher, the Phillips family, Phillip and Doreen Cupero, Steven and Laura Stanfill, Mr. and Mrs. Luther Richardson, Dave and RaeAnn Meyer, Charles and Connie Metoyer, Manuel and Shelia Feria, Gigi Bullman, Sandy and Melissa Kirkindall, Roger and Dorothy Alderwood, David and Leigh Thomas, Ruth Lindsey, Alfred and Nancy Milolaschek, Roderick and Cindy Zalamea and Hubert and Cheryl Sanford.
Yards of Madison recognition is conducted May through September. For more information, email to madisonbeautificationboard@yahoo.com.
