We congratulate Susan Kuhn for being recognized with the City of Fort Walton Beach's Yard of the Month award for January 2026.
Susan has lived in her Mimosa Street home for 40 years, and the pride she and her family take in their yard is plainly evident.
Large oak trees cast friendly shade over a closely trimmed green lawn. The house is framed by a mix of decorative bushes like loropetalum and viburnum. A planting area in the front yard includes daylilies, liriope and a large philodendron.
Closer to the house is a small brick courtyard that includes blooming plants like camellias and rhododendrons, adding some bright colors to the palette of green hues.
For the past 10 years, Susan has been getting help maintaining her yard from Dennis Felix, who has worked for the City of Fort Walton Beach for nearly 22 years. Dennis had worked with Susan’s son, Wayne, at a previous job years ago and learned that she and her husband needed help keeping up with their yard work.
“Dennis came to the door, and knocked, and said ‘hi, I’m here to help,’” said Susan.
Since then, Dennis has been able to help Susan bring her landscaping ideas to life, as well as help with other things that have come up around the house.
“We had a pipe burst in the front yard on Thanksgiving,” said Susan. “Dennis came over and turned the water off. He said he couldn’t get to it right away because he had family visiting. But on Sunday, he came and dug out the pipe, went over to Home Depot, got the parts and repaired it.”
“He’s my right arm, said Susan. “He’s been such a blessing in my life.”
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. 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.
Visit our Yard of the Month page to learn more or to nominate a yard.