ASHLAND — A unique property characterizes the homestead of Larry and Mary Traxler, 642 Ward Drive in Ashland.
Art of Gardening members named the Traxlers “Yard of the Month” winners for September. A retaining wall full of a variety of shrubs and flowers caught the eye of scouts Cathy Siwek, Patty Stauffer, Sally Ahlers and Claudia Dunn.
The Traxlers were awarded gift certificates from the club and Farm and Home Hardware. A “Yard of the Month” sign was also presented to the Traxlers for prominent placement.
The couple will celebrate 60 years of marriage in January. In 2007 they moved from Shelby where Traxler was employed at ArcelorMittal, a steel factory, for 38 years. Mrs. Traxler retired from Sprint in 2003.
Son, Larry, Jr., along with his wife, Jerri, were featured recently on the cover of “Boutique Design,” a magazine focusing on the design of boutiques, hotels, spas and restaurants.
They built a library for villagers in Africa, according to proud mom, Mary, and reside in Bethesda, Maryland. Daughter Shelly Fitzcharles of Ashland has a son, Collin, 22, of Columbus.
The back highlights a yard full of yuccas, some from their daughter. They related that when their grandson was a kindergartener, he gave them a dogwood tree. A wrought iron fence discourages deer. The back yard also features an elderberry bush.
Adorning the front porch is basil which the Traxlers use as a pizza topping. Hugging the garage are zinnias, Passion fruit, Calibrachoa which feature petunia-like blooms and Canna.
Also nestled against the garage are dwarf papyruses, a charming perennial. Three metal butterflies grace the brick outside wall of the garage.
A “Welcome Friends” sign invites visitors to gaze at what’s in the retaining wall. Besides the American flag, a sundial, stone turtles, frogs, a mushroom, a butterfly and pinwheels are on display.
Garden club members got an eyeful of Black-eyed Susans, hens and chicks, Russian sage, catmint, Bluestar, Japanese maple, boxwood and ferns. The hummingbirds like the Coral bells, according to Mrs. Traxler.
“Find the golf course, you’re here!” Traxler added.