Hurlburt Yard of the Month competition now underway Published April 16, 2008 By Joseph Thornell 1st SOCES HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- It's that time of the year again. Spring has sprung, flowers are in full bloom, the grass is green and family housing is gearing up for this year's Commander's House Beautiful Yard of the Month competition, which runs from April through September. Five winners are selected each month, one from each of the on-base housing areas: Pine Shadows, Live Oak Terrace and Soundside, and two from Commando Village. Winners receive a certificate and personal letter of congratulations from the 1st Special Operations Mission Support Group deputy commander, gift cards from various on- and off-base services and stores, and the Commander's House Beautiful Yard of the Month sign prominently displayed in front of their residence for one month. The award will be presented to winners at their house before the next month's competition is judged. All family housing residents are responsible for maintaining their assigned housing unit in an acceptable appearance. Those that do will be in the running. Here are a few suggestions that could get a residence nominated, and possibly even selected as one of the winners: - Water only during designated days and times to prevent disqualification. If a yard is newly seeded, it can be watered on both even and odd days for 30 days - Mow and rake grass to present a well-manicured appearance - Edge and remove dead grass from sidewalks, driveways and street curbs - Ensure shrubs are well-shaped and trimmed to three to four feet in such a manner as to prevent rubbing against the house - Keep carport, patio and entryway neat in appearance. These areas should not be used for storage of appliances, household goods, boxes, work benches and other clutter - Outside pets should be kept in a clean/sanitary condition, and also leashed or properly controlled in a fenced area so as not to interfere with neighbor's use of sidewalks or access their own back yard - For supplies, check with the self-help store first. They may have Bermuda grass seed, topsoil, pine straw and various other items for use. The Air Force is not obligated to provide these items, but if they are available, unnecessary out-of-pocket expenses can be saved. If the self-help store does not have what is needed to maintain a yard, these items can be purchased by the resident at a local area supply source The Hurlburt Field housing areas are consistently among the best, mainly because of the outstanding efforts and hard work of its residents. By continuing to demonstrate the quality of excellence we all can appreciate, family housing residents can make this year's Yard of the Month program the most competitive ever.