We congratulate Jim and Phyllis March, whose Baker Avenue home was selected as the City of Fort Walton Beach’s October 2025 Yard of the Month.
The Marches purchased the home in 1998, when it was nearly three decades old. Since then, Jim has invested a lot of effort on improvements to both the house and the yard.
“It’s taken a few years to get to this point,” said Jim, a retired Air Force Master Sergeant. He resodded the lawn several times before finding success with Empire Zoysia grass, which sits neatly trimmed and covers the front yard like a rich green carpet.
A large magnolia tree dominates the front yard, providing pleasant open shade. Jim and his daughter, Brittany, recently finished a project to remove azalea bushes from around the base of the tree and build a bricked-in flower bed with decorative shrubs and colorful perennials. If you look really close at the magnolia tree, you’ll spot a whimsical face staring back at you. That’s Brittany’s touch.
A mix of decorative shrubs and flowers frame the mailbox, the walkway and base of the house. Everywhere you look, you see the signs of a yard that displays years of care and nurturing.
“He has always taken pride in his surroundings,” said Brittany of her father. “While living in base housing at Hurlburt Field, he frequently earned “Yard of the Month” awards. He takes great joy in knowing that neighbors and visitors appreciate the yard as much as he does.”
We certainly appreciate it too, and we congratulate the Marches on being selected as our October 2025 Yard of the Month!
ABOUT YARD OF THE MONTH:
The City of Fort Walton Beach's "Yard of the Month" program recognizes city residents who demonstrate above-average efforts in maintaining their property and help contribute to the overall appearance of our community.
A city resident may nominate any yard in the Fort Walton Beach city limits, including their own yard. Nominations are due on the 25th of each month. The "Yard of the Month" will be announced at the first regular City Council meeting of the month.
All award winners receive an official "Yard of the Month" sign to be placed on their property. "Yard of the Month" winners must be willing to have photos taken and will be recognized on the City of Fort Walton Beach website and social media pages.
Learn more at fwb.org/yardofthemonth