Congratulations Kathleen Schettler our first yard of the month winner!

The Cloister Yard of the Month Program

Purpose

The purpose of The Cloisters Yard of the Month Program is to promote an award for exemplary lawn and yard care. The Program will recognize homeowners who demonstrate exceptional efforts to maintain and improve their property in a manner that contributes to the overall appearance of The Cloisters community.

General Criteria

Yards will be judged solely on the total exterior appearance of their property and front yard as viewed from the street.

Guidelines

The Yard of the Month sign indicating this award will remain in the yard for one month.

1. The program will be managed and judged by the HOA board; therefore, the board is not eligible to win.
2. All members (minus the board) who live within The Cloisters and are current on dues are eligible.
3. Award winners are selected based on the judging criteria, factors, and guidelines listed in this document.
4. The upkeep of the yard can reflect the effort of the residents themselves or that of a professional landscaper or groundskeeper.
5. An award duration term is approximately a single calendar month and runs until the following month’s winner has been notified. The duration may vary due to judging schedules and holidays.
6. No more than one Yard of the Month recipient will be selected in a single month.
7. During the month while an individual’s home is being recognized as The Cloisters Yard of the Month, they are expected to maintain their yard in the same manner that allowed them to win the title.

General Judging Factors

With the exception of October (Halloween/Fall) and December (Christmas), factors include the overall appearance, tidiness, and neatness of the front of the property as evidenced by pruned, trimmed and shaped foliage, edged and defined lawns, borders and flowerbeds. Judges will utilize the following factors when selecting Yard of the Month winners:

Yard Maintenance

1.  Healthy lawn, neatly mowed and edged
2. Pruned and trimmed shrubs and trees
3. Healthy, living plants
4. Minimum weeds in flowerbeds
5. Yard free of debris and clutter

Design and Landscaping

1. Use of color and texture
2. Creative, unique curb appeal
3. Pleasing appearance making the property an asset to the community

October and December Criteria

Holiday Yard of the Month candidates for October (Halloween/Fall decorations) and December (Christmas decorations) will be judged solely on the total exterior appearance of their property and front yard as viewed from the street.

October and Christmas Judging Factors

Factors for October and December include the overall appearance of the decoration on the front of the property. Judges will utilize the following factors when selecting Holiday Yard of the Month candidates:

Design

1. Use of color and texture
2. Creative, unique curb appeal
3. Pleasing appearance making the property an asset to the community.

Holiday Spirit

1. Use of materials: lights, sounds, inflatables, figures, etc.
2. Creative use of holiday imagery and symbols
3. Unique, inventive and thoughtful layout

Award Schedule

Award winners will be selected as close to the beginning of each month as possible.

Awards

All award winners receive an official “Yard of the Month” lawn sign to be placed on their property for the duration of their award as well as a $50 gift card for the following months: May, June, July, August, October, and December.

Summary

The Cloisters HOA is dedicated to improving the quality of living and appearance of our community. We encourage residents to take pride in their homes and in the neighborhood. In turn, we look to celebrate those who do a superior job in maintaining their yards in such a way that they enhance the overall curb appeal of the entire community.