606 E. Briar Lane

Adam and Jamie McVey

Our first stop is the home of Adam and Jamie McVey at 606 E. Briar Lane. They’ve lived there for four years and are still adding more perennials, but it’s Jamie’s eye for annuals in vibrant colors that makes their yard stand out. From those two big (and we mean BIG) hanging baskets on the porch that runneth over with Dragon Wing begonia blooms to the matching sets of planters that frame the front door and the garage, everything is bold, beautiful and balanced.

Jamie is the designer and planter. Adam is the waterer and mower.

Jamie’s dad built the window box, a charming new addition this year that she had fun filling with impatiens, begonias, petunias and sweet potato vines. Her mom is her gardening mentor — a fine choice since, pssst, Mom was a 2023 Garden of the Month winner herself!

We love it when green thumbs run in the family in Allouez. Congratulations, Adam and Jamie Delfosse McVey (and your adorable dog, too)!

2619 Oakwood Avenue

Mike Bouchard

Our second Garden of the Month for August is the work of Mike Bouchard at 2619 Oakwood Ave., and yes indeed, that’s cacti you see. Prickly pear cactus is a native Wisconsin plant, and we love that the unique low grower shares a bed with the big, showy blooms of the hardy hibiscus.

When Mike bought the house about five years ago, the previous owners had dug up many of the plants before they moved. He embraced the opportunity by replacing those plantings — and then some — to make the garden his own. It’s a colorful mix of perennials and annuals, including black-eyed Susans, phlox, coneflowers, yarrow, dahlias, mums, coleus and hostas. Two of his favorites: gerbera daisies and the cacti.

Mike says gardening is his “happy place.” We can see why. Congratulations, Mike, and thanks for sharing the happiness!

3224 Webster Avenue

Josh Kozlowski

Congratulations to Josh Kozlowski, our third and final Garden of the Month winner for August.

For those who know Josh as the owner and designer of Nature’s Best Floral & Boutique, it’s hardly a surprise that his yard at 3224 Webster Ave. is as lovely as it is.

Since purchasing the house in 2020, he has been busy renovating inside and out, including the garden spaces. Ornamental grasses, both in tall, dramatic planters by the front steps and in the ground, swaths of black-eyed Susan, a “Strawberry Sundae” hydrangea, a dwarf Japanese maple and hostas make for a welcoming yard. A newly planted cherry tree is in remembrance of his father.

Josh also has a love and an eye for art. You’ll find statues and other art pieces sprinkled among the plantings, and maybe even a pup in the window. It all works together to make for some great Allouez curb appeal!