By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

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

Kim and Tom Edwards were given the recognition after standing out from several nominations submitted for homes in Helena. The residence located at 100 Creekwater Street is an imposing residence affectionately called “Mount Edwards“ as it sits atop a hill. Built in 2014 by local builder Brett Winford, the homes’ floorplan was designed by its owners and the driveway leading up to the house is lined with tall pine trees creating an inviting drive up to the house.

“We found a floorplan we wanted and with a few tweaks, we made it our own,” Kim said.

Alongside the driveway you’ll find shade and sun gardens, in addition to a dry creek bed the Edwards created themselves to alleviate a drainage issue that brought beauty and functionality to the space.

Kim’s desire was to create a “self-maintaining landscape” and the Edwards are achieving that by selecting the right plants for the right space.

In shady areas, limelight hydrangeas, hosts, elephant ears along with iris, daylilies and cannas bring texture and interest to the garden. On the sunny side of the drive, and interspersed throughout the property, you’ll find colorful perennials and shrubs planted for maximum display potential. Drift roses, lantana, mandevilla, gladiolus, nikko blue hydrangeas and many other plants create a striking display along the hillside garden.

Around back, you’ll find an outdoor oasis with a pool, outdoor fireplace and beautifully crafted patio that looks like one large slab of stone.

“Everyone needs a pink flamingo near the pool, don’t you think?” Kim said.

This fun element adds whimsy to the garden and their next move plans to be a self-poured stone path.

“Each year we allocate funds for garden projects and we spend hours in this garden making it happen,” Tom said.

The beautification award for August will be accepting nominations until the 25th with the winner being selected and notified at the first of the month. The winner 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 Aug. 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 home, visit Helenabeautiful.com/award.html.