Hopkinsville Beautification brings back Yard of the Month to recognize efforts in curb appeal

Yard of the month is a yearly contest that recognizes the efforts of Hopkinsville residents who take pride in their home and landscape, inspiring others to do the same.

HOPKINSVILLE, KY – Yard of the Month is a contest that recognizes the efforts of Hopkinsville residents who take pride in their home and landscape, inspiring others to do the same.

The program began in 2008 when the Hopkinsville Beautification Commission was started. In 2015, the commission disbanded the project due to lack of involvement. Then in 2020, the commission was dissolved as beautification was taken over by Hopkinsville Public Works. After being put on hold by the COVID-19 pandemic, the contest is back for the first time this year.

Third winner for June’s Yard of the Month program, Timothy and Nathalie Griffey of 1910 South Main Street. (Contributed)

Heather Braun, beautification coordinator, said so many residents have a talent for beautifying their area. “It would be such a shame if these gems weren’t shared with the rest of the community.”

Currently, the program runs through April, June, August and October with the hopes of bringing it back more often next year. There’s been great success so far. “We have had plenty of people nominating and participating in the program,” Braun said.

The program selects three homes each month, with each yard limited to winning once per calendar year.

Contestants can either enter their own home or another’s landscape by calling 270-890-0703 or emailing heather.braun@hopkinsvilleky.us.

June’s first place winner for the yard of the month program. Barbara Sholar and her son Andrew Sholar who helped plant all of the gardens of 1922 South Main Street. (Contributed)

There are several guidelines the judges use to make their final decisions:

Yard is well groomed.
Yard is attractive; pleasing to the eye.
Building fences, porches and patios on the property are in good repair.
Yard is free of litter, junk and debris.
House numbers are displayed attractively.
Yard is free of junked or inoperable vehicles.

Judges will also consider extra effort through the use of attractive pieces such as pottery, ironwork, potted plants, birdhouses, patio furniture and decorative mailboxes. Another important criteria is if a passerby can sense that the homeowner has pride in their landscape and property.

“This is just one way we are trying to help shine a light on what makes Hopkinsville so amazing,” Braun said.

June’s second place winner for yard of the month, Lisa and Kent Harbold of 524 Ashbury Circle. (Contributed)

The winners of Yard of the Month will receive a certification of recognition and be recognized on the City of Hopkinsville website and Beautification Facebook. “I love for people to see all of the work done that people normally wouldn’t get the chance to see just driving by,” Braun said.

After Yard of the Month comes to a close, the Beautification department will move into their fall contests and holiday decorations contests. Two new contests will be added to this year’s lineup: a Fall Spirit award and ‘Boo’tification Halloween award.