Yard Contest

Each month the yards in our subdivision are judged. If the resident of the one that is considered to have the best display has not won the award within the last two years, is in good standing with the Association and agrees to accept the accolade, it is designated as the Yard-of-the-Month. A sign is placed in that yard throughout the duration of the month, a photograph and write-up are posted here on this web site and on the My Neighborhood News website - which is the successor to our montly newsletter.

Although the new year brought us subfreezing temperatures in both January and February, we are excited to celebrate the first yard of the month for 2025! Surprisingly there were several contenders whose shrubs and trees retained their greenery and form through both freezes, but the vegetation at 22318 North Rebecca Burwell Lane owned by Dan and Ann Teeters remains unscathed!

The Teeters have lived in the Settlement since March 1980, making it 45 years this month. In fact, Dan was the first president and primary swim team official for the Dolphins, which formed circa 1982. Like all of the nominees that were asked, the Teeters liked living in the neighborhood because of the people and the location.

Their front yard has gone through some changes; only one of the original pine trees remains, but they have adapted the vegetation in their yard to accommodate the change of sun that the yard receives. With the assistance of TMB Landscape Designs, they replaced a pine with a water oak tree, while foxtail ferns, loropetalum, a bottlebrush tree, dwarf bottlebrush and agapanthus complete the front yard.

Thank you and congratulations again to the Teeters for their many years in the Settlement and for being our first honorees of 2025!

Congratulations to Rocco and Sandi Ivanovich of 22215 Wetherburn Lane for having April’s Yard of the Month!

We have all enjoyed their lovely decorations and beautiful landscaping over the years!

Rocco and Sandi have been in the Settlement for 39 Years 4 Months (40 years in December!) They love living in the neighborhood because it’s a place where everyone takes pride in their homes and surroundings. There’s a real sense of community here, and it feels great to be surrounded by neighbors who care about keeping the area beautiful. The peaceful atmosphere and sense of belonging make it a truly wonderful place to call home.

Rocco and Sandi shared that the Settlement’s very own Chris Henderson cares for their lovely yard.

“Our yard is designed with a focus on clean lines and natural beauty. Around the trees and garden beds, we've added fresh mulch to enhance the visual appeal and keep everything looking tidy. We've incorporated shrubs and flowers with vibrant colors to add pops of life, particularly during spring and summer. Overall, the landscaping creates a welcoming and peaceful atmosphere that complements the home and adds to the curb appeal. One of the standout plants in our yard is the azalea. These beautiful shrubs are known for their stunning, colorful blooms that appear in spring, adding vibrant hues of pink and purple to the landscape.”

From Sandi-

If you've ever driven by our house on a College Football Saturday, you’ll spot Bevo and Mike the Tiger hanging out in the front yard. Our oldest daughter graduated from Louisiana State University (Geaux Tigers), while our youngest daughter is a proud graduate from The University of Texas at Austin (Hook 'Em Horns). We’re blessed with two daughters, two son-in-laws, and three grandchildren, who always enjoy spending time at Mimi and Bond’s house!

Please continue sharing your beautiful yard and seasonal decor with us! Your yard brings great joy and is a beautiful greeting to everyone entering the Neighborhood!

Mr. John Pulley at 1515 Barraud Court is May’s yard of the Month recipient. Originally from Houston Heights, John moved to the Williamsburg Settlement over 27 years ago. Wanting to get out of an area with a heavy crime rate, he knew once he saw the subdivision the neighborhood “was for me.” The neighborhood just north of I10 also offers the convenience of living in Katy without having to deal with the south of I10 traffic.

Retired from a sales management job, Mr. Pulley has volunteered at Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital for the past 25 years and even earned the volunteer of the year in 2010. Also, in his spare time John takes care of all his landscaping needs.

From the road, you will notice that the house has a lot of shade, but John has managed to beautifully landscape his front yard to accommodate the lack of sun. Two Boston Ferns hang in their baskets year-round, giving the house a tropical look. At “each side of the front walk up to (the) front door are dwarf Firepower Nandina, across the front are rows of dwarf Ruella with blue flowers that are accented by large moss rocks.” Ornamental Pampas grass is at the curb, but “what really look(s) nice is my Japanese Pagoda with a flickering fire light bulb that really looks good at night,” which John personally installed.

Of all the plants that John has, he recommends neighbors planting the Nandina since it will survive the drought of summer and the coldest freezes of winter while still looking nice.

Thank you, Mr. Pulley, for graciously accepting the Yard of the Month award for May 2025!