By EMILY SPARACINO / Staff Writer

HOOVER – A Highland Lakes resident who received the September Yard of the Month award addressed the Highland Lakes Garden Club at a meeting on Sept. 22 to express his gratitude.

Charlie Murphrey and his wife Provy, first-time Yard of the Month recipients, received a sign to display in their yard earlier this month.

“I can honestly say that this award is as meaningful to me as any I have,” Charlie Murphrey said. “I’m speechless, really. Now that I won it, I can’t slack.”

As someone who didn’t have a yard when he was a child, teenager and young adult, Charlie said being praised for the yard he treasures and maintains now is something for which he is thankful.

“I never had a yard,” he said. “I went crazy because it meant so much to me. I’m 75 years old. I mean, how many more yards of the month can I have?”

Yard of the Month Committee members select and notify each month’s recipients.

“This yard is so green and well manicured and not a weed in sight,” committee chairwoman Cathy Schafer wrote in a blog post. “There is a hedge of coral Azalea blooming on the right hand side of the yard. There are light lavender and pink Crepe Myrtles. They have flowerpots with Begonias and Vinca going down the driveway and up the front steps. I hope you will drive by and wave to this couple who take such pride in their yard.”

Committee member Patty Touse said winning Yard of the Month was on Charlie’s bucket list.

“The joy that winning this honor brings to every homeowner is just as rewarding to the yard of the month committee member who has the opportunity to notify the winner each month and hear the excitement in their voice,” Touse wrote in an email. “Who would have known that a simple sign could mean so very much.”

“It’s so worthwhile knowing it makes a difference,” Club President Vicki Everett added.

The club’s Sept. 22 meeting was held in Touse’s home. Fresh Market provided refreshments, and Crown Distributing provided wine.