Carvilles landscaping eye-catching
By QUALA MATOCHA lifestyle@leader-news.com

L-N Photo by Quala Matocha Standing in their front yard, Mike and Susan Carville are proud to say they do all their own maintenance. Moving into Mike's' parents' home more than a year ago, the couple have made some changes, like the addition of rocks to border the flower beds, a European fan pattern driveway and accent lighting. They were chosen as September Yard of the Month, an honor bestowed by the El Campo Garden Club.

In their short time as El Campoans, Mike and Susan Carville have spruced up their home and yard, which once belonged to his parents, Ath and Justine Carville. Located at 918 College St., the Carvilles say they were caught off guard by the annoucement of being selected as "Yard of the Month."

"We were quite surprised as there are so many beautiful yards to choose from," said Susan.

Helen Nix and Shelia Miller, El Campo Garden Club members, made the selection for September.

The couple have made this their home for the past 1 1/2. Mike grew up in El Campo, however not at this particular residence.

Since their move, the Carvilles added a front driveway, which has been fashioned in a European fan pattern. Accent lighting, new grass and landscaping in both front and back yards were some of the changes they also made.

"We added a patio done in Italian porcelain and a sprinkling system" she added.

Future plans include a new backyard fence.

"The lighting will be enhanced and we will experiment with seasonal plants," she said. Those seasonal plants include New Guinea impatiens and angel wing begonias.

The couple do all their own yard work and spend each day doing some sort of maintenance, like weeding the flower beds, watering and pruning.

"Something always needs tweaking," Susan said.

The stone-lined flower beds and variety of plants are some of the yard's most noticeable improvements. They admit their favorite place is the back patio.

"We enjoy our wireless sound system," she said. "Along with the sound of the Tuscan fountain, we enjoy listening to the frogs."