Something Beautiful

May 1, 2026 by Laura LaRue

A creative overhaul transforms a Little Rock family’s stark backyard into a hydrangea-filled hangout

When Beth and Charlie Porter moved into their Little Rock home, they knew the sizable backyard had great potential. The large pool was ideal for Arkansas summers with their two young children. However, a covered patio attached to the back of the house darkened the interior and blocked the backyard view. “The backyard is what really sold us,” Beth says. “We loved the pool, but everything around it was just concrete. We wanted to be able to bring light into our home and look out to see the yard and something beautiful.”…

Resort at Home

February 21, 2022 by ark_admin

A west Little Rock couple transforms their backyard into a getaway with the help of local professionals

“Everyone who knows me knows this is my dream house,” says Kelli Heathman of the home she and her husband, Dr. Monty Heathman, share. The bones of the house—its French country influence, in particular—spoke to her tastes, and since moving here in 2015, she and designer Mona Thompson Phelan have worked to refresh furnishings and accents throughout the interiors. Recently, they turned their attention to the outdoors, bringing in David Munsey, III, of Better Lawns & Gardens to create a retreat. “I travel a lot for work so I wanted a place where I could relax on the weekends,” Kelli says. “Plus, we love to entertain and both wanted an area where there was plenty of room for guests and a flow of different spaces to welcome them.”

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Seasons of Change

September 1, 2021 by Stephanie Maxwell Newton

Fall Containers: An expert shares quick updates to make summer containers last into autumn

While the start of school signals the changing season in many people’s minds, summer heat often lingers for several more months in the Natural State. Because of our slow fade to autumn, we turned to David Munsey, III, of Better Lawns & Gardens for advice on how to best transition current container plantings into fall. “For autumn, we lean toward colors like orange, maroon, burgundy, and some deeper greens,” David says. “If you have more tropical flowers in bright colors left over from summer pots, you can replace those with ornamental cabbages or pansies as they start to wilt.” Read on for David’s picks for transitional plantings along with tips for care and maintenance.

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Resort in Residence

September 3, 2020 by Stephanie Maxwell Newton

Backyard Oasis: Better Lawns & Gardens transforms a blank-slate backyard into an inviting escape

The owners of this west Little Rock home fell in love with its peaceful setting the first time they laid eyes on it. Wooded areas, space to roam, and a backyard with lots of potential drew them in; however, they were eager to put their own touch on the space. “The property was absolutely beautiful, and I could envision making the backyard a resort just for us,” one of the homeowners says.

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All in the Family

February 21, 2019 by Stephanie Maxwell Newton

After years of putting clients first, the owners of a landscaping company finally get the outdoor space of their dreams

After 35 years in the home they built in west Little Rock, Ruth Ann and David Munsey, Jr.—owners of Better Lawns & Gardens—decided it was time to revamp their backyard and patio. And when you own a landscaping company, who better to call on than the family business?

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A Lasting Impact

June 11, 2018 by Stephanie Maxwell Newton

Make a statement in your outdoor area with container plantings that will thrive through the summer and fall

“Containers are one of the most under-utilized garden features,” says David Munsey III, general manager of Little Rock’s Better Lawns & Gardens. “You don’t need a lot of them to start with; you can make a big impact, colorwise, with just one or two plantings. Plus, they are less expensive than planting a bed and can be used in small spaces or apartments,” he adds.

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Home Reinvented

October 21, 2015 by ark_admin

A West Little Rock family tackles a home addition and style update with the help of a team of local professionals
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Contain Yourself

April 28, 2015 by ark_admin

Plant hardy, easy-to-grow staples—including ivy, ferns, and geraniums—to create classic container groupings that will last the season

Some things never go out of style. When it comes to planting containers, the combination of vivid red geraniums and green foliage have been a popular, beloved pairing for decades. What’s more, they leave an ever-cheerful impression on guests while giving your porch or garden an Americana feel. Thanks to the size and convenience of these planters almost anyone can pot the combinations shown here. “So many people are living in condos and patio homes now, and with containers there’s no limit to what you can grow based on your space. You can do traditional flowers and even add vegetables and herbs, too. You can really have a garden anywhere,” says David Munsey III, general manager of Little Rock’s Better Lawns & Gardens. With this thought in mind, Munsey and his father, David Munsey Jr., founder and owner of the business, put together several container groupings that you can plant now and—with proper care and maintenance—enjoy until the first chill of fall arrives.
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Something Beautiful

Resort at Home

Seasons of Change

Resort in Residence

All in the Family

A Lasting Impact

Home Reinvented

Contain Yourself

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