Photo by Bill Green Liz Thompson tiptoes into front yards across the county, pushing dozens of plastic flamingos, birds, hearts, stars and even squirrels into the soil. She is the owner of the Thurmont-based Greetings on the Grass LLC, delivering messages such as “happy birthday,” “congratulations” and “welcome home” for the whole neighborhood to see.

Late at night, she tiptoes into front yards across the county, pushing dozens of plastic flamingos, birds, hearts, stars and even squirrels into the soil.

Thompson's company, Greetings on the Grass LLC, specializes in delivering messages such as "happy birthday," "congratulations" and "welcome home" for the whole neighborhood to see.

The setups usually honor an unsuspecting family member or friend about to celebrate a milestone birthday or important life achievement.

For instance, if black balloons and an "over-the-hill" lapel pin aren't enough on a particularly hard-to-swallow birthday, Thompson, 44, will come over and scatter cows across your grass.

You're family can add a message to the herd, think somewhere along the lines of: "Scott's havin' a cow! He's 40 now!"

"It builds community ties," Thompson said. "People you really don't know É but when a lawn display is out, you have friends and neighbors who might not normally talk to (you.)"

Thompson said she offers a variety of messages in English and other languages.

"The limit is basically the imagination," she said. "I don't go vulgar. Some double entendre I can manage, but there's a limit."

Greetings on the Grass was created almost a year ago after Thompson decided she wanted to flock — fill the front lawn with some plastic feathered friends — her aunt's home.

Eighty plastic song birds later, she decided to pursue lawn greetings as a full-time endeavor.

"The more I thought about it, the more I thought I could really make a go at this," Thompson said.

She averages about 10 lawn greetings a month since last fall.

And while customers can opt to get their loved one away from the house while Thompson comes in to work her magic, most prefer she come at night while everyone sleeps.

"Thus far, fingers crossed," she said. "I've been out on moonlit nights, I haven't come across when it's been stone dark, but I have tripped over my own signs."