An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Backyard Beauty

  • Published
  • By Nicole Campbell
  • Staff Writer
POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  pansies, mustard greens and cabbages provided color and texture to Laura Shelly's landscape during the winter, and now that spring has arrived, she has expanded her ever-growing flower beds with more bright flowers and interesting plants.
 
She has showcased her green thumb at the on-base, Ethridge Street house she has shared with her husband, Master Sgt. Jason Shelly, for the last five years. Every year Mrs. Shelly's garden gets a little bigger. 

She said she started her hobby about 12 years ago when she and her husband lived off base, and she has found that working with plants and flowers helps her relax.
In the past she would come home from working as a nurse and spend time in her garden to unwind. Now, she stays home to care for her husband, who has cancer and recently had extensive surgery, and the garden is a kind of retreat for her, she said.
Mrs. Shelly's garden has made an impression on Pope's Vice Wing Commander, Col. John McDonald. The Wing headquarters building is situated across the street from Mrs. Shelly's house. 

"Her house is absolutely beautiful, and it's evident she takes pride in taking care of her home. [The wing staff] appreciates her work and enjoys looking at what she has done," said Colonel McDonald. 

Although not all on-base homes are in such a visible location, everyone in housing is encouraged to spruce up their landscape. Kathy Prevatte from the housing maintenance office said that fertilizer, edgers, stepping stones and other landscaping basics are free of charge for on-base residents. Plus, April 2, the housing office will give away a limited supply of coupons for $50 worth of free flowers from a local nursery.
 
Mrs. Shelly said getting flowers and plants from a local nursery is important because you will generally find specimens that will do well in this area. She also recommends using fertilizer and compost to feed the plants and keep them healthy. 

It's not mandatory to plant flowers around your home, but if you live on base, there are inspection standards, and points are assessed if outside areas are not up to standard. If an occupant receives 15 points, they are subject to being removed from housing.
Standards include, but are not limited to: Grass should not be taller than three inches or lower than one inch (two points); sidewalks, driveways and curbs must be edged (two points); grass and weeds should be removed from cracks and plants beds (two points). More information can be found at https://private.pope.amc.af.mil/main/43MSG/43CS/main/SCB/IM/CM/main/Publications/Instructions/POPEAFBI32-104.pdf. 

When Picerne, the housing privatization contractor, takes over housing operations, basic landscaping needs will be provided by contractors, just as it is done in Fort Bragg housing, said Picerne Communications Manager, Kelly Douglas. 

Historically from May to September, Pope housing has recognized a "lawn of the month" and "lawn of the year." Ms. Douglas said a similar program no longer exists at Fort Bragg, but if Pope residents express enough interest and want to keep the program here, Picerne will look into continuing it. 

Since Picerne will soon take over mowing and other duties, think about using some of that new free time to keep up a nice garden.