The Civic Pride volunteers announce Ray and Lupe Hoover’s residence as the April “Yard of the Month.” Pictured is Ray with his dog Chloe enjoying a beautiful day in the yard, receiving the $50 gift certificate for Otto & Sons Nursery. Photo credit Linda Nunes

By Linda Nunes

Civic Pride Volunteers have selected Ray & Lupe Hoover’s yard at 818 Fine St. as the April “Yard of the Month.” The Hoovers moved into their home in 1989 with only some ground cover plants present. Lupe loves Birch trees, so they planted 3 as focal points in the main yard & one more to the right of the driveway. Ray said Lupe told him where to plant them & he dug the holes! In the open spaces, they placed a few Sespe Brownstone boulders with red Salvias- “Hot Lips” variety as the next level of interest. On the ground are colorful Gazanias, & other daisylike bloomers. Tufts of ornamental grasses wave gently in the breeze & have spread to other areas. Pots of blooming flowers line the entryway. Lupe was busy running her business of 43 yearsHairatage Salon on Sespe St., so Ray graciously posed with their little dog, Chloe. When asked what they would like to say about their yard, they both commented that they wanted a low maintenance & low water use yard with drip irrigation, but also, one that was colorful, that would attract hummingbirds & butterflies. While I was there, a Monarch butterfly drifted through. Ray & Lupe work together to maintain the beautiful display & were very excited to receive the $50 gift certificate to Otto & Sons Nursery. Ray said they go there often! We thank Otto & Sons Nursery for supporting this award through all the years.