Roger and Diana Honts have lived in their home, nestled in a cul-de- sac and bordering a cornfield, since Roger built it in 1994. The Honts, who reside on Shadycrest Drive, got the news Thursday that their yard, which they have cultivated and nurtured over the decades, had been awarded August’s Yard of the Month.
The award is handed out to three Kewanee homeowners over the summer months by the Garden Club of Kewanee. Along with the honor of receiving the title in recognition of their hard work, the homeowners also receive a yard sign to display in their yard for the month, an official certificate and a gift certificate to a local garden center and nursery.
“I thought we were still in the running,” Roger said when he learned that they were the actual August honorees.
Roger is retired now, as is his wife Diana, but before he began enjoying daily swims and tinkering in his garden, he worked as a manufacturing engineer doing research for Caterpillar.
“I just had a knack for building,” he said of his home, garden and deck he built in 1995. “I planned it all out.’
Roger and Diana agreed to answer five questions about their garden and yard for The Kewanee Voice.
What motivates or inspires you in your gardening and yard work?
Roger said that just being able to look at what he’s accomplished and say he did all of that is what motivates him. Diana, who was born and raised in Kewanee, said she just enjoys looking at the beauty of their yard.
Did your parents garden?
Neither Diana’s nor Roger’s parents did gardening while they were growing up. Roger, who was raised in Geneseo, said he grew up in a poor family. But the couple have found a shared interest in the hobby, although Roger said he has to do the digging and handle the weeds and Diana supervises the plants’ placement.
How many hours do you spend gardening or doing yard work each week?
Roger said they spend more than an hour a day, and he enjoys the hot days and being outside. He swims in the morning at the YMCA and afterwards he spends time in the yard.
What advice would you give to other homeowners interested in sprucing up their yards?
Roger said the most important step to landscaping is to “get a plan and be dedicated. If you’re not dedicated, it’s all going to go to weeds,” he said.
How does it feel to have your yard recognized as “Yard of the Month?”
Roger said the news that they were chosen was “extremely surprising.” But both he and Diana felt it was an honor to have their work recognized.
***Editor’s note: The Garden Club of Kewanee would like to thank all of the residents who nominated their friends and neighbors for “Yard of the Month.” Club committee member Joline Oswald said they received so many great nominations and reminds residents that there is “always next year.” The Garden Club of Kewanee’s “Yard of the Month” is in its fourth year.
