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The Marshalltown Garden Club introduced a program to recognize local homes with attractive curb appeal. The October Yard Of The Month is the home of Jerry and Cherri Coleman at 301 S. Ninth St.
Although originally from Iowa, Colemans lived in Florida for 10 years. After retirement they moved to Marshalltown to be closer to family in Iowa.
One of the most noticeable features of the home is the North stone wall leading to the lower level built by the former owner. Garden Spaces are edged with brick and rock areas. Earlier seasonal blooms included lilacs, tulips, peonies, iris, black-eyed susans, coneflowers and cosmos. The slope from the east sidewalk to the top lawn is a carpet of the ground cover vinca, phlox and crocus in the spring. Currently vibrant mums catch your eye by the driveway.
Cheri’s favorite gardening season is spring, and her interest was passed down from her grandmother. Jerry worked for a greenhouse while in high school. These days he golfs while she gardens, but he takes many loads to the compost center. Her gardening advice is “Just get what you like and try new things.” Most of her plants are perennials originally from friends, and she has pots with annuals throughout the yard. A small garden by the carriage house provides fresh produce.
Since they moved here 16 years ago, 17 trees have been lost from straight-line winds, the tornado and the derecho. This included six ash trees and a large river birch in the front yard. New smaller replacement trees on the terrace include a serviceberry and a sugar maple from Trees Forever. Other additions south of the house are a redbud and a Crimson King maple.
Of historical significance, this home was built in 1915 by A. C. Diller and was featured in a Fall 2024 home tour through the local Historical Society for 320 guests. This home was called the “Croquet House,” originally called Roque” which was an Olympic sport in the early 1920’s. Horse and buggies parked on Ninth Street, and bleachers were constructed for spectators. Colemans enjoyed sharing information from a photo album with pictures from the previous owner.
The Marshalltown Garden Club would like to thank all the featured homes in 2026 and the T-R for promoting the Yard Of The Month recognitions. Also those that suggested homes to the Garden Club are appreciated and the club looks forward to featuring more in 2027.