A.B. and Gail Jennings bought their house at 305 Newsom in Mineola 36 years ago and raised their family. They’ve always loved gardening and liked the fact that their property already had some established trees and shrubs.

They share a useful insight from the first few years in their new home. Their clay soil turned slick and sticky when wet and dried into something resembling concrete when dry, then developed cracks during the summer heat. Amending it with quantities of good topsoil, sand and nutrients made a huge difference in how well their landscaping fared.

They created new flowerbeds and planted wisteria, azaleas, jasmine, iris, lantana, roses and crape myrtles, most of which flourished. Their favorite shades of purple and yellow were also incorporated wherever possible.

They mostly prefer perennials these days due to their dependability, but A.B. likes to sow a few zinnia seeds each spring and enjoy their cheerful colors all summer.

Fifteen years ago, Gail gleaned some bluebonnet seeds from off the curb of the old Kitchens house and sowed them in the front of their yard. That handful of seeds was the beginning of a gorgeous display of the Texas state flower that passersby enjoy each year. The Jenningses are careful to keep the lawnmower away from the blooms so they last for weeks.

During the sub-zero temperatures of early 2021, they lost their boxwoods and several Knock Out rosebushes. Sadly, many bluebirds also died and their song and antics were missed. A.B. cleaned their birdhouses and kept them in good repair and was happy to see the bluebirds finally return this year and build their nests. Cardinals are frequent visitors, as well.

The Jenningses plan to replant the Knock Out roses this year and, as usual, plant a few tomatoes and cucumbers. A.B. will be back mowing and edging soon and Gail will be busy tending the flowerbeds, listening to the wind chimes and knowing the satisfaction of time well spent.

Mineola’s Fannie Marchman Garden Club is pleased to present their home as their April Yard of the Month.