Longtime Mimosa Street homeowner earns Fort Walton Beach yard of the month honor
Fort Walton Beach, Florida – The City of Fort Walton Beach has chosen Susan Kuhn as the January 2026 Yard of the Month winner. This is because she has taken care of and been proud of her Mimosa Street house for decades. The award draws attention to a property that has been cared for over time, thoughtfully designed, and has a strong personal connection with the owner.
Susan has lived in the same house for 40 years, and the area around it shows how time can change everything. Mature oak trees have spreading limbs that cast shade over a well-kept lawn, making the house look welcome from the street. Loropetalum and viburnum are two examples of beautiful shrubs that offer structure and texture around the house. Well-planned planting beds add color and balance.
There are daylilies, liriope, and a big philodendron in the front yard. The groundcover is softer, and the plants are bolder. A tiny brick courtyard next to the house provides a more private area with flowering plants like camellias and rhododendrons. Their seasonal flowers give vibrant spots to the usually calm green color scheme, making the yard look layered and inviting.
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Dennis Felix, a city worker who has been with the city for about 22 years, has been helping Susan take care of the property for the past ten years. Wayne, Susan’s son, was the one who introduced them. They became good friends and collaborators. Dennis not only helps keep the yard in good shape, but he also steps in when difficulties come up, like fixing a broken pipe in the front yard over a holiday weekend.
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Susan says that the ongoing help has helped her keep her home and yard in top order. She says that Dennis is an important person who has always helped her bring ideas into reality and been there when she needed support the most.
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The Yard of the Month program honors people who take extra care of their homes, which helps make the whole community seem better. Winners get an official sign, get their picture taken, and are shown on the city’s website and social media. This is a way to honor the hard work that goes into keeping Fort Walton Beach looking its best every day.
