By Susan DeVilder August 11, 2025
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“Yard of the Month” for August was awarded last week. From left are Garden Club member Marcia Niemeier, Ginny and Ron Hamilton and Garden Club members Joline Oswald and Pat Sauer. [Photos by Susan DeVilder]
Tucked behind an unassuming home in the 400 block of Hollis Street and is a sidewalk that leads to a secret garden. That garden is owned by August’s “Yard of the Month” winners Ginny and Ron Hamilton. The award is handed out by the Garden Club of Kewanee for June, July and August.
The couple bought the house about 10 years back and have added to the landscaping. Trees, shrubs, flowers and plant varieties are plentiful and when the couple ran out of real estate to plant more, they began planting flowers in containers that now line their driveway just in front of the recently remodeled garage that is now Ginny’s She Shed.
Ginny Hamilton in front of the recent addition of her She Shed. The couple renovated a garage to give Ginny space to relax and enjoy her free time.
The colorful container display is what not only caught the Garden Club of Kewanee’s attention but solidified the couple’s award, since August is the most difficult month to find yard recipients. By the end of the summer, many homeowners’ flowers are done blooming, said Joline Oswald, Garden Club member.
A colorful container garden on the side of their home first attracted Garden Club members to the property. August is a difficult month to find yards still in full bloom.
Ron said the hot summer has been hard on some of the plants and flowers, but much of the couple’s garden is still in full bloom.
Located behind the home in the 400 block of Hollis is a secret garden that contains a variety of plants, flowers and trees including Japanese maples and a pear tree.
The winners of this month’s award received a certificate suitable for framing and a $25 gift certificate to a local nursery. A yard sign is also planted in their yard.
The Hamiltons agreed to sit down and answer five questions about their yard and garden with The Kewanee Voice.
How much time do you spend each week tending to your yard/garden?
The couple estimates that they spend around 10 hours a week outdoors. Ron is the one who mows and assists but Ginny said she goes out every day. “I love to spend time outside,” she said.
What inspires you in your gardening/landscaping?
Ginny said she loves being outdoors in the fresh air. Mentally it’s good for her, she said and she also gets exercise.
“You get to going and you lose track of time,” said Ron.
Do you have any advice for other people who are thinking about sprucing up their yard?
The couple cautions against trying to do it all at once. “Plan out your areas,” Ron said.
What’s your favorite tree, shrub, flower or plant?
For Ginny, it’s her Japanese Maples, of which she has several, that give her the greatest joy. For Ron, he enjoys his vegetable garden which is planted towards the back of their lot. “I like the stuff I can eat,” he said. But he’s partial to the many varieties of hostas that line some of the beds as well.
How does it feel to have your yard named “Yard of the Month?”
Ginny said the news that their yard had been chosen gave her a good feeling. “I’m proud of it,” she said.
“We’re honored except you’re two months too late,” Ron joked.
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