Abundant July rains have boosted the thriving tropical landscape at a residence in the heart of Kingfisher.

Recently awarded the Silver Spade award for the month of July, Max and Carol Castonguay’s home on Oak Street beautifully displays vibrant tropical flowers, an immaculate lawn, an interesting array of decorative ornaments and varied other colorful flowers and foliage.

The Silver Spade is an honor presented by the Kingfisher Lions Club during the summer months to homes with extraordinary landscaping and beauty.

Longtime residents of Kingfisher County, the Castonguays moved from their farm north of Kingfisher about seven years ago to their current residence.

A farmer and truck driver, Max retired about seven years ago and Carol recently retired after working as a hairstylist in Kingfisher for 53 years.

Married for 31 years, the couple have six grown children - all boys - 19 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

On a bench in the corner of their neatly manicured lawn, a family of multi-colored frogs enjoy the scenery. An American flag gently drifts in the wind overhead, as a potted fig tree casts shadows over the frogs at the day’s end.

Beyond their circle drive, ornamental geese graze in the distance on the thick green grass and shrubs in a variety of shapes and sizes form a line of contrast against the rich red brick of the home.

Two iron planters boast yucca plants and honeysuckle vines cascading over pots of lively green Jacob’s coat plants lining the pathway to the sprawling front porch.

The couple enjoy gardening and work well together, each with their own talents.

Carol said the flowers are her job, but Max always took care of the lawn and all the spraying until recently when his health no longer allowed him to do so.

“Max and I always worked together very well,” Carol said. “What I didn’t think of…he did.”

An inviting array of colorful plants, a trickling water fountain and inviting wicker furniture grace the front porch.

The Silver Spade proudly stands centrally located in front of the home near a wheelbarrow planter filled with succulent sedum and other ornamental plants.

A favorite feature of Carol’s, a sago palm’s glossy fronds take prominence in the landscape along with a potted fig tree nestled behind an iron lamp post and a metal sign with “Castonguay” cut into it.

Ensuring that the palm tree grows upward, Carol said, she trims the lower leaves every year. It has been part of their landscape for over 15 years and finds protection in their garage, along with their other potted plants, during the “less than tropical” Oklahoma winters.

Perfectly sculpted shrubs and evenly spaced multihued hostas line the home on the north side, along with climbing tropical white and red flowering vines and yellow Stella de Oro daylilies along the back fence.

“Max has always been helpful,” Carol said. “He always brags on my flowers.”

As beautiful as the front landscaping is, the welcoming scenery of the backyard and patio are possibly even more magnificent.

Cannas with their large green leaves, a climbing hyacinth bean vine, prolific Jacob’s coat and a plethora of other verdant plants adorn the back fence and flower beds. Yard ornaments, colorful wall hangings and mosaic-like gazing balls are interspersed throughout the foliage.

Max added lighting to the gazing balls, Carol said, so they really shine in the morning and evenings.

A fig tree, fragrant hibiscus, multi-colored purslane and an assortment of vivid plants in all shapes and sizes surround a large lighted gazebo and patio. Plentiful comfy furniture and the serene sound of trickling water fountains offer an invitation to have a seat and relax.

A statue of a little girl in pigtails, carrying a pail of flowers stands just inside the gazebo, a birthday present from Max, Carol commented. They added a printed

They added a printed screen to the gazebo, Carol said, which depicts a summer garden scene and makes their patio seem brighter during the winter.

“Max and I have enjoyed many mornings and late evenings together on our patio,” Carol said.

The Castonguays have created their own paradise. They both enjoy gardening, Carol said, and added that it’s nice their interests and talents have complemented each other.