By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

HELENA–The Helena Beautification Board has announced the winning residence for the August Helena Beautification Award.

The award was given to Brian and Jennie Shannon of 313 Lakewood Circle in Helena.

Nineteen varieties of plants strategically placed throughout the landscape allow for continuous transitions of color and height. For the past two years, the Shannon family has called 313 Lakewood Circle home, and a beautiful home it is. The Tudor style design is offset by a beautiful landscape.

As one approaches the house, one of the first things that catches the eye is the sweet potato vine that gracefully drapes over the retaining wall by the driveway. That wall is capped on the end with an impressive planter generously planted with seasonal annuals. Quickly, your eyes then move up to the front of the house where plantings of petunia, vinca and zinnias are found and all of which make a bright color combination.

The use of hanging baskets and containers throughout the landscape offers just the right touch of form and color in the garden.

“Gardening is a family effort here. All of our children help. They weed, mow, plant and we grow together as a family,” Jennie said. “My mom is going to be so proud. She is an avid gardener and taught me so much about plants and gardening.”

Each month, nominations will be accepted until the 25^th day with the winner being selected and notified at the first of the following month. The winner of each month will be able to proudly display a yard sign for the month, have their picture and house published on the Helena Beautification website, Helena Beautiful Facebook page and in the Helena Reporter.

To nominate a home to receive the Helena Beautification Award on Sept. 1, go to Helenabeautiful.com/award.html and submit the address.

The Helena Beautification Board is an appointed board of the Helena City Council. The board believes that people and places are profoundly connected and thriving communities are rooted in individual responsibility and action. They host a variety of opportunities for the community to come together and serve each year. Events are posted on the Helena Beautiful Facebook page and announced via Twitter at @TweetHomeHelena.

For more pictures and a full list of the plants planted at the Shannon Home visit Helenabeautiful.com/award.html.