A Greeting Card for Your Front Yard

What do you get the person who has everything?

How about something that will have them and the entire neighborhood talking for years to come?

Front Yard Smiles helps people celebrate any special occasion with a fun and festive front yard display. Some people call it a "yard card," because it’s like an enormous greeting card in the front yard.  

According to Kelly Legg, owner of Front Yard Smiles, based in Riverview, the lawn greeting industry has been around for quite some time. The industry really got its roots back in the 1950s when the iconic flamingo became a popular front yard item, and people began celebrating the birth of babies with storks in the front yard. There are now more than 2,000 lawn greeters worldwide. 

Legg started working in the lawn greeting business almost five years ago as a franchisee of Fun Sign Surprise. When her contract was up for renewal, she decided to take an independent route and start her own business, Front Yard Smiles.

Her family-owned business has “flocked” for every occasion, including new babies, baby showers, retirements, welcomes home, promotions, anniversaries, engagements, proms, graduations, wedding showers, Mother’s Day, Father's Day, Valentine’s Day and other special events. According to Legg, most of their business stems from people celebrating birthdays. 

Servicing southern Hillsborough County — which includes Brandon, Valrico, Bloomingdale, Seffner, Riverview, Gibsonton, Apollo Beach, Ruskin, Sun City Center, and parts of Tampa — Front Yard Smiles has many themed “flocks” to choose from: Flamingos, cows, chickens, buzzards, golf balls, hearts, skunks, cupcakes, storks, princess displays, sports displays and more.

“When's the last time you gave a herd of cows as a gift?” asked Legg. “People talk about their fun lawn displays for years.”

According to Legg, the center "yard card" is 5 feet tall and includes the recipient’s name and age, when applicable. Customized messages also can be provided with professional vinyl lettering. Then they fill the entire yard with matching smaller signs to make a hilarious display that is sure to capture everyone's attention.  

“It’s the best present ever and a wonderful way to celebrate any special occasion,” said Legg. “Cards are boring; send a yard full of fun!”

Interested in setting up a “flocking” for a loved one? Call Front Yard Smiles at 813-777-7185 or e-mail
frontyardsmiles@hotmail.com. They can usually accommodate last-minute requests as well.