When Polly and Nelson Jones first met, they discovered that they shared a passion for gardening. Nelson enjoyed reading his grandparents’ organic gardening books, and Polly has been a Dirt Doctor (aka Howard Garrett) fan for years.

The Joneses had often admired the corner house at 418 N. Johnson for its mature trees and lush St. Augustine lawn. When it appeared on the market in 2010, they didn’t hesitate. Polly’s mother had lived in the upstairs apartment for a time, so they already knew and loved the house.

They made changes slowly, planting azaleas along the fence line, a Japanese maple in back and a magnolia tree in front. A recent addition is the flower bed around the pecan tree on the side, featuring dusty miller and pink petunias. A healthy hydrangea hugs the side of the house. The Joneses prefer perennials, but mix in annuals in various shades for interest and plan a new bed with annuals under the front yard shrubs.

When they choose new plants, they try to include those native to this area, with an eye for hardiness and drought resistance.

Flowerpots contain asparagus ferns, a few vegetables, rosemary and fennel and are kept vigorous with fish fertilizer. Morning glories loaded with lavender blooms are atop the fence, and yellow lantana lines the driveway.

The Joneses love birds, so they keep bird seed and water available for the woodpeckers, jays and cardinals that frequent the yard. Armadillos are also visitors and love to dig holes, but aren’t really a bother.

Nelson does most of the mowing, edging and trimming, but with family living just down the street, he sometimes gets a hand from nieces and nephews. Polly gets out into the yard first thing in the morning to water, deadhead spent blooms and weed. With construction going on in their backyard, she says the peaceful break is calming. Polly says they eventually plan a greenhouse in the back so they’ll have even more opportunities to enjoy their favorite pastime.

The Fannie Marchman Garden Club of Mineola has chosen the Jones home as their September Yard of the Month.