by Sue Leahy
Member-at-Large and Chairperson, Landscape Challenge
The 2019 Wild Ones Landscape Challenge had a number of qualified applicants and the committee took some time to evaluate them all. Unfortunately we could pick only one yard. We hope that those not selected will consider applying again in the future. In the end, Steve and Krystal Coxon of Ballwin, Missouri were declared the winners of the 2019 Landscape Challenge.
Steve is a long-time gardener of edibles and ornamentals but knew nothing about natives. Krystal has long been a champion of environmental issues. Their passions came together after their Bring Conservation Home evaluation in March of 2015 and they immediately started implementing suggestions from the report they received.
According to Krystal, when they first moved in, they never saw monarchs, finches or a variety of pollinators. They planted natives and these animals and many more became regular visitors. This helped them to share nature with their children and to begin a journey of nature exploration, citizen science, social responsibility and compassion. They feel their front yard is currently under-utilized with a fair bit of turf remaining and that this makeover will not only increase support for wildlife and provide more opportunities for their children to interact with nature, but also reduce the amount of noise and air pollution from mowing.
They live in a subdivision where there is a lot of pedestrian traffic, so this front yard garden will give them further opportunities to share nature with their neighbors and spread the word about the important of planting natives.
Rob May, the landscape designer and Wild Ones member, will work with the Coxons on their design and plant palette. Planting will be in late September or early October, so watch the Dig In page for the date.
Congrats to the Coxons! I can only imagine how excited they are 🙂