Ravine Way

Mike and Julie Ignasiak

Would you believe that once upon a time the front of Mike and Julie Ignasiak’s house was a grassy slope?

When our July Garden of the Month winners bought their house on Ravine Way some 20 years ago, they learned that hillside wasn’t the easiest to mow, so they worked with a landscaper to redesign it. The terraced hardscaping gives them a sprawling space to display shrub roses, hydrangeas and all those pretty violet-blue balloon flowers.

It’s no exaggeration to say all that stone was tons of work for Mike, but they keep the plantings simple (no annuals) so that they can enjoy their backyard pool with their seven children and 15 grandchildren. Family is also firmly rooted in their raspberry patch, which dates back to Julie’s grandmother many years ago.

Please join us in congratulating Mike and Julie. That’s how you do curb appeal!

Woodview Lane

Brenda and Dan Whipp

For our second Garden of the Month for July, we have a red, white and blue treat for you. It’s the patriotic-themed front yard of Brenda and Dan Whipp on Woodview Lane.

You’ll see American flags tucked in with the plantings, and if you drive by at night, there’s even a flag on the side of the house that lights up and more red, white and blue lights out front.

The Whipps, who have lived on Woodview for 11 years, removed the large arborvitaes that once lined the driveway and put in a mix of shrubs, perennials and annuals. Large mixed planter boxes and two pots of coleus that flank the garage door add more color. And can we talk about those “Endless Summer” hydrangeas that are big, fluffy clouds of pink blooms? Wow.

Brenda used to own a decorating center, so she definitely has an eye for color. Her green thumb is courtesy of her grandmother, who shared her love of gardening with her when she was growing up.

Congratulations to Brenda and Dan. Thanks for making Allouez beautiful. We salute you!