Auburn Beautification Council member, Becky Richardson nominated Denson and Anne Lipscomb for the ABC Loveliest Village Award for their unique landscaping accomplishments. Their home located on the corner of Ogletree Road and Wright’s Mill Road was once the Sprayberry Farm with a log cabin on it. The Lipscomb’s built their home on the heavily wooded corner lot among pine trees and rocks which have been incorporated over the years into the landscaping. Anne on her daily walk arrives back home with rocks in her pockets found along the way and adds them to the flower bed borders. One of their joys has been the daffodil and iris bulbs received from Dr. Thompson, Sr. that were started well over 100 years ago. The Lipscomb’s had outside recommendations to create a good seasonal color that would work well among the retained trees on the property. While strolling through the gardens one may find daylilies, iris, rudbeckia, camellias, balloon flower, gardenia, chrysanthemums, hosta, elephant ears, white hydrangea, ginkgo, ferns, flowering garlic chives to name a few. They have also added magnolia and Japanese maple trees among the azaleas bushes and other trees throughout their gardens.

To nominate someone go to www.auburnbeautification.org or call (334) 502-8990

Blooming Colors in Auburn is the recipient of Auburn Beautification Council’s “Loveliest Village” award, in appreciation of its many ongoing contributions to ABC’s mission of beautification in the community. Owner King Braswell not only has a record of assisting the Council with its work throughout the City, but his business, Blooming Colors, recently hosted the Council’s annual wine and cheese membership party, providing a beautiful and unusual evening setting for the outdoor reception. Braswell and General Manager Donna Dallas were on hand to field horticulture questions. Brother John Braswell, who oversees Crepe Myrtle, their new restaurant, greeted guests there, along with Ginger Purvis, Manager. Blooming Colors was established in 1991 and is located on the site of the old Civilian Conservation Corps camp of the 1930s and 1940s era. An old stone road was discovered during construction. “The Braswells designed their buildings around the beautiful trees on the site,” says ABC President Catrina Cook, “which not only add to the beauty of the corner, but makes for pleasant shopping among the outdoor selections. They strive to make their corner, along the busiest entrance to the city of Auburn, both colorful and interesting every season.” Blooming Colors is recognized for its many contributions to Auburn beautification.

To nominate someone go to www.auburnbeautification.org or call (334) 502-8990

Leahman and Kathey Davidson were nominated by Gabe Williams with Gratefully Green Landscaping to receive The Loveliest Village Award from the Auburn Beautification Counsel. Their home in the Grove Hill subdivision of Auburn has over 165 azaleas (Indica, Sangria and Twist, to name a few varieties). This home displays various colors of knock out roses; several varieties of Camellias including Usabini, Hollys, tree-formed Gardenias and Pansies. Trees are also in abundance with Chinese Elms; Japanese Maples and Crape Myrtles; Beech; Cherry and Sweet Bay Magnolias to name a few around their home.

To nominate someone go to www.auburnbeautification.org or call (334) 502-8990

The Burton Place at Midtown was awarded The Loveliest Village Award by the Auburn Beautification Counsel Awards Committee for the architectural face lift given to the residential common areas. When one travels on east Magnolia Avenue they will admire the professionally landscaped grounds that provide a burst of color throughout the year. Among the numerous plants are azaleas, boxwoods, crape myrtles, knock out roses, day lilies that are inviting for sitting at the picnic tables in the garden area. AU students living at Burton Place have the pleasure of waiting for Tiger transit under the gazebo and enjoying the pool area.

Burton Place site is historically known where Robert Wilton Burton’s “Four-Story Cottage” home once was locate. A one-story house with wide porch and bay window, Burton built it in 1885 with proceeds from the sale of four stories to children’s magazines. Born in Camden County, Georgia, Burton grew up in Lafayette, Alabama where he began writing stories for the newspaper, on various subjects. In the early 1870’s with his brother, he opened a bookstore in Opelika, Alabama. In 1878, at the request of the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Alabama, Burton opened the first bookstore in Auburn. It was soon known as the “Coffee House of the College City”. In 1999 a plaque was placed by The Auburn Heritage Association and Historic Chattahoochee Commission putting it on the historical register.

To nominate someone go to www.auburnbeautification.org or call (334) 502-8990

The Hotel at Auburn University Managing Director, Hans van der Reijden receives the Auburn Beautification Award from Dennis Drake.

When one arrives in Auburn one of the first beauty spots visitors see is The Hotel at Auburn University. Managing Director, Hans van der Reijden recently received the Auburn Beautification Counsel Inspiration Award on behalf of the hotel. The land is owned by Auburn University and is leased to a hotel managing firm. What makes the hotel unique are the courses offered through the university program for hotel/chef/management degree; few universities have this type of concept making Auburn another unique place for higher education.

The hotel revitalization program began over five years ago and as one enters from College Street here is an island center with Japanese maples, Loropetalum, camellia sasanqua, hosta, rosemary, cast irons, variegated pittosporum, arborvitaes, asparagus fern, hostas, fatcia, azaleas hydrangeas, autumn and holly ferns, laroipe, and barberry among the variety of plant material. Sculptured ligustrum line the walk on the south side when arriving leading up to the front door a cryptomeria over 14 feet high is surrounded by Indian hawthorn, variegated lariope, cattails, dwarf gardenia, Pride of Mobile Azalea, nandina, and variegated pittosporum. On the north side there are large pots surrounding the patio with even more different plant material including little gem magnolia, coleus, asparagus ferns, ivy, saga palms, caladiums, gardenias, chrysanthemums, snapdragons, camellia sasanqua.

The organic herb garden, located inside the pool area, consist of muscadine grape vines, lavender, basil, oregano, sage, thyme, chives and mint. What makes this unique is Chef Hamme cuts fresh herbs daily to serve with his culinary dishes at the hotel.

Those wishing to nominate others for either a Revitalization Award or an Inspiration Award will find nomination forms at www.auburnbeautification.org or may call 502-8990. Auburn Beautification Council welcomes new members at its meetings, held the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 11:30 a.m. at the Chamber of Commerce on East Glenn in Auburn.

Receiving the Revitalization Award from Dennis Drake, left, with Auburn Beautification Council is Thomas Sparrow, President of Commerce Networks, LLC.

Mr. Thomas Sparrow of Commerce Networks has earned a Revitalization Award from the Auburn Beautification Council. Mr. Sparrow worked diligently to salvage a neglected residential structure located on 121 Bragg Avenue in the Auburn Historic District.

The original house belonged to Dr. Winters and his family. It was built in 1923. Over the years the house suffered as rental property and was finally sold to Mr. Sparrow in 2006.

Working with a local architect and adhering to the guidelines of the historic preservation codes, Mr. Sparrow has achieved his goal. The Winters house has become an attractive, functional home for his software engineering company. The architectural integrity of the house was preserved, but it is updated to service a modern business. Even the original screened front porch was transformed into a comfortable waiting area.

In the rear yard of the property a stately red oak was saved. It shades the main building and the spacious apartments which were designed to blend with the original house. The driveways are covered with porous concrete. The parking spaces are designated with brick work instead of paint. The front yard is green with dense golf-course-perfect sod and appropriate plants.

The Commerce NetworkS building will also be included on the walking tour when the statewide historic preservation conference meets in Auburn on October 8-10.

Those wishing to nominate others for either a Revitalization Award or an Inspiration Award will find nomination forms at www.auburnbeautification.org or may call 502-8990. Auburn Beautification Council welcomes new members at its meetings, held the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 11:30 a.m. at the Chamber of Commerce on East Glenn in Auburn.

Doug Klinkenborg, left, with the Auburn Beautification Counsel presents Marsha Yancey Inspiration Award

As one drives west on Highway 14 (aka Martin Luther King Jr. Dr.) to Loochapoka you will have the pleasure of admiring Mr. & Mrs. Mike Yancey’s home. Mrs. Yancey has taken a very small space and created a garden filled with a large variety of color and plants. Roaming across her front garden you will find red knockout roses, a pink climbing rose, hibiscus, various types of begonias, impatiens, black-eyes susans, caladiums, lantana, Camilla ferns and crotons to name a few. Marsha Yancey’s daily devotion in the garden inspired her sister, Karen Williams to nominate the Yancey’s for the Inspiration Award.

Those wishing to nominate others for either a Revitalization Award or an Inspiration Award will find nomination forms at www.auburnbeautification.org or may call 502-8990. Auburn Beautification Council welcomes new members at its meetings, held the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 11:30 a.m. at the Chamber of Commerce on East Glenn in Auburn.

(L to R) Doug Klinkenborg with Auburn Beautification presenting Donald Allen with Donald H. Allen Development, Inc. and Jamie Brady with Cutting Edge "The Loveliest Village Award"

Mr. Donald H. Allen Development, Inc. on North Dean Road received The Revitalization Award from the Auburn Beautification Counsel. Late 2006 Mr. Allen began remodeling the corner of Stage Rd and North Dean for his development business. The old building was completely remodeled and a second story was added for required working space. Re-facing the buildings and totally re-landscaping this corner changing an eyesore into an appealing corner in June 2007.

Jamie Brady from The Cutting Edge designed and continues to maintain the grounds. Among the many plant varieties used were red knockout roses, begonias, boxwood and petunias.

Congratulations to Donald Allen for the vast improvements made at the corner of Stage Rd & N Dean Rd., it is a pleasure to have his beautification contribution added to Auburn and receive The Loveliest Village Award.

Those wishing to nominate others for either a Revitalization Award or an Inspiration Award will find nomination forms at www.auburnbeautification.org or may call 502-8990. Auburn Beautification Council welcomes new members at its meetings, held the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 11:30 a.m. at the Chamber of Commerce on East Glenn in Auburn.

A Camden Ridge neighbor of Paul and Nancy Mitchell writes, “Even casual passers-by admire and comment on the visual impact that is made by the Mitchells’ corner of Camden Ridge. Their lawn truly enhances the appeal and intrinsic value of Auburn .” When the Mitchells retired 5 years ago in Greenville, Alabama, they decided to move to Auburn. Both of their sons had graduated from AU, and they loved the town. They built their home and set about cultivating a beautiful, well-groomed, and peaceful yard. The lush, green lawn is perfectly manicured. Planting beds meander around the front trees and contain hosta lilies, hydrangea, lantana, Solomon seal, dwarf azaleas, and camellias. The carefully mulched beds and lovely plants continue all around the house, giving a perfect view from every side. The Mitchell’s nominator for the Loveliest Village Award states that, “The meticulous care that is evident in all parts of Paul and Nancy’s property is inspirational because that level of care serves as a very positive model for other community property owners.”

All Auburn residents are invited to nominate homes for the Loveliest Village Award. Log on to the Beautification Council’s webpage at www.auburnbeautification.org and download the nomination form.

Don and Sandra Wilder’s home with the pretty white corner fence and colorful flowers provides a landmark for people traveling their neighborhood. Don even got permission to paint the post of the stop sign white to blend in with the corner garden. The Wilders have lived in their home 31 years and have turned their outdoor space into a lovely and inviting view. Several large trees have been removed over the years, the driveway has been redone, and a winding rock walkway leads to the front door. Green shrubs hug the edge of the house, and zinnias add bright pops of color. The yard is filled with the fragrance of Confederate jasmine blooms that hang from the mailbox post and the patio garden wall. A white crepe myrtle is the centerpiece of the front flower bed, and white miniature gardenias lie along the rock walkway. The Wilders say this spot is truly home to them, and they enjoy their neighborhood.

All Auburn residents are encouraged to nominate a person to receive the Loveliest Village Award. Go to the web site www.auburnbeautification.org and download the nomination form found there.

Revitalization on Cary Drive: Mary Claire Chansler and her daughter Rosie, right, accept Auburn Beautification Council’s Loveliest Village Revitalization Award from ABC member Sheila Eckman. The Chansler home, on Cary Drive, is noted for the renovation of both the home and its compelling landscaping

Auburn, Ala., April 14, 2008:

Some people still think of the little circle off Cary Drive as Pine Circle, but it is actually part of Cary Drive and neighbors have actually insisted upon the Cary Drive designation, so fire trucks and ambulances know where to find them. It is a quaint little neighborhood, dating back to the 1950s, with a little circular park—an island of sorts-- in front the homes.

Phillip and Mary Claire Chansler bought a 1950’s-era home on the circle several years ago and have not only worked overtime bringing the home into the next century, but have made a showplace of the grounds as well.

Both career military, Mary Claire and Phil met at Maxwell Air Force Base. She was living at Hope Hull and he was in Auburn on Dumas Drive. Both were in graduate school at Auburn, so they made Dumas Drive their home after marrying. When the house next to his parents came on the market, they did not hesitate; they bought it in one day and moved straight to Cary Drive. Thus began a project of mammoth proportions.

Dozens of pine trees hid earlier plantings, so there were surprises at hand when 60 of the trees were removed. Mary Claire, the predominant gardener, found evidence of a large earlier garden, including fruit trees, which she has added to and nurtured.

Originally from Massachusetts, Mary Claire loves the long growing season in Auburn. Once she had the pines cleared, the driveway repaved, a pool installed and a new sprinkler system added, she was able to begin focusing on her real love, the plants. She created several lovely flower beds, both raised and ground level, one featuring an attractive rock pathway designed to carry off excess water. The beautiful landscape features various azaleas, including native varieties, hydrangeas, and canna lilies.

A vegetable gardener as well, Mary Claire created raised beds and had two dump truck loads of soil hauled in from Froggy Bottom in Montgomery. There she cultivates asparagus, artichokes, brussel sprouts, strawberries and more typical seasonal are such as radishes and lettuce.

The house itself has been totally renovated as well, including the roof, heat and air conditioning, paint inside and out, refurbished hardwood floors, and a completely new kitchen with granite countertops and a raised fireplace. Mary Claire’s prodigious work outside is enjoyed just as much from the inside, since the house features ample windows and plenty of light—one of the features that attracted them to the home. The Chansler’s efforts have definitely brightened the circle for their neighbors and for passersby, thus making them eligible for a Loveliest Village Revitalization Award.

Those wishing to nominate others for Loveliest Village Awards may obtain a nomination form at www.auburnbeautification.org or may call 887-6778.

A wide variety of lush, green plants gives the yard of James and Katharine Walter’s home an inviting and elegant look all through the year. The Auburn Beautification Council is recognizing the Walters with the Loveliest Village Award. The focal point of the home’s setting is a large live oak tree with a wide-spreading crown that forms a canopy for the plants that live around it. Different shades of green come from the azaleas, American box woods, iron plants, pittosporum, and urns of ivy plantings that mark the driveway and the brick path to the front door. A slightly raised brick and stone area is home to a lovely fountain. Iris and azaleas and summer bedding plants add color to the green background. The Walters have spent 33 years nurturing their front and back yards and turning them into beautiful outdoor settings.

Any Auburn citizen may nominate a person to receive the Loveliest Village Award by going to the ABC website at auburnbeautification.org and downloading the nomination form.

John Delmore, of Townsend Court, has a front lawn that one neighbor says is "so pretty, it looks like a football field." The Delmores moved into their newly-constructed house just two years ago, and John has turned the yard into a well-maintained and colorful feast for the eyes. Bushes of loropetalum, a large butterfly bush, a beautiful river birch tree, and hanging ferns grace the entrance to the house. Around the corner, you can glimpse the array of color in the tropical plants and grasses that John has chosen. Red is his color, and he displays that color in the red fountain grass and the red lady-finger hydrangea. Chinese fan palm, pindo palm and sago palm, along with spiral willow, give a tropical feel.

Jennifer Delmore likes to point out the purple-blossom plant next to the birdfeeder that John planted two years ago after the plant was used in their wedding celebration. The Delmores have created a welcoming home for their family and their neighborhood.

Auburn citizens are invited and encouraged to nominate a person to receive the Loveliest Village Award by going to the web site at auburnbeautificationcouncil.org and downloading the nomination form. Nominations may also be mailed to Barbara Webber, 1411 Hillside Ct., Auburn, or e-mail .

The big, beautiful yard was one main reason Trey and Tabatha Rankin had for buying their lovely home on South Dean Road. They wanted plenty of space for their two young sons to play out of doors, and to also have plenty of space to express their own decorating and landscaping tastes and talents. The past four years have been spent making structural changes inside and out and putting beautiful touches to a yard that already had lovely mature plantings. Their efforts are recognized this month by receiving the ABC’s Loveliest Village Award.

While Tabatha worked on the decorating of the interior of the home, Trey worked on designing a new porch across the front of the house with columns that give a craftsman-style look. The exterior was replaced with cedar shake, complete with cedar shutters and decorative hardware. New floor-to-ceiling windows were installed across the front of the house, and a carport was added. At the driveway entrance, Trey built a brick column topped by a gas lantern.

The yard contains 4 or 5 dozen camellia trees of all varieties, giving blossoms all through the winter months. There are azaleas and interesting varieties of dogwoods that bloom in the spring. The yard is sprinkled throughout with many types of spring bulbs, and summer plantings include lots of color. The window boxes across the front of the house are filled in the summer with sweet potato vines, lantana, ivy, and other plant varieties. By removing a large tree from the front yard, and clearing some of the growth, passersby can now enjoy an open vista of the Rankins’ lovely home and yard.

Any Auburn citizen may nominate a person to receive the Loveliest Village Award by going to the web site auburnbeautificationcouncil.org and downloading the nomination form. You may mail your nomination to Barbara Webber, 1411 Hillside Court, Auburn. Or you may e-mail your nomination to .

Volunteers from Auburn University’s Horticulture Form, from left, Rita McCutcheo, Ben Berry and Sharon Russell work to replant the downtown baskets, which were provided for the City by the Auburn Beautification Council.

Several students from the Horticulture Forum, assisted by Auburn Beautification Council volunteer Paul Schrantz, replanted 18 large baskets, which hang on the downtown decorative light poles.

“Auburn Beautification Council appreciates Horticulture Forum’s involvement in working to help keep Auburn ‘the loveliest village on the plains,” says ABC Vice President Joanne Schrantz, who coordinated the effort. “I am looking forward to seeing blooming plants and pretty ivy in the downtown hanging baskets this winter, and I am also looking forward to working with the students as they make plans for replanting the baskets in the spring.”

Young’s Plant Farm in Auburn utilizes its talent and expertise to create exemplary landscaping at its beautifully designed corporate headquarters on Airport Road.

“When I first saw what a beautiful job Young’s has done,” says Auburn Beautification President Robert Crittenden, “my immediate reaction was how nice it is that this is one of the first things visitors see when they fly into our city. It is so impressive, and they change their colors with the seasons.” Stone walls and fountains are highlighted by an abundance of colorful flowers and shrubs.

Auburn Beautification President Robert Crittenden presents the Loveliest Village Inspiration award to Rob Young, Young’s Plant Farm, in appreciation of the attractive landscaping at its corporate headquarters on Airport Road in Auburn.

On behalf of Auburn Beautification Council, Sheila Eckman presents a “Pat on the Back” certificate to Dr. Richard Brinker of the Auburn Rotary Club, in appreciation of his committee’s “adoption” of Hickory Dickory Park. The Club’s volunteers spray the wooden structure with preservative, refurbish wooden chips which cushion climbing features, spread mulch and add to the landscape annually.

Visitors to Auburn’s Hickory Dickory Park on Shug Jordan Parkway are likely unaware of the behind-the-scenes efforts of area citizens who volunteer their time, talent and resources to maintain and enhance the park.

Shortly after the unique park’s creation several years ago, the Auburn Rotary Club stepped forward to form a standing committee which lends its time, talent and resources to enhancing and maintaining the park’s structural and landscaping features. Led by Dean Richard Brinker, Auburn University School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, the committee sees to it that the sizeable amount of wood in the park’s structure is treated with a preservative agent each year. The group also spreads the specially engineered wood chips which provide cushion beneath the climbing features, spreads mulch, and adds plants to the landscape.

When Tom and Tasha Worden built their Auburn home in 2000, they made a conscious decision to have an English garden look in the back so, says Tom, “so we had to kind of fit in that look in for the front. We made it somewhat English and tailored, so it would fit in with the back when we got around to doing that, which was a year or so later.”

Both Wordens approached the English garden concept by reading books from the library. Then Tom sat down with a local landscaper friend, Holly Buxton Cooper. “She helped educate me on what flowers would work where and when and how,” he says. “And she was good about respecting my wishes about having certain things and not having certain things. We decided to go with shades of pink and it just kind of evolved from there.” As a result, different seasons bring different shades of pink.

Tasha and Tom Worden of South Ashe Court in Auburn accept the Loveliest Village award from Sheila Eckman, center, of the Auburn Beautification Council. The Inspiration Award is given to homeowners, businesses and others whose grounds are an inspiration to others and serve to beautify the community at large.

Dot and Wayne Mitcham accept Auburn Beautification Council’s “Loveliest Village” Award from ABC member Alice Crittenden [right], who nominated them for the recognition.

Maintenance of the landscaping at 229 Conrey Drive in Auburn gives new meaning to the phrase “manicured.” Meticulous in every detail, it is designed to complement the home which Dot and C. W. [Wayne] Mitcham have called home since 1964. The Mitcham’s landscaping features evergreens in addition to seasonal flowers and borders. Dot designed most of the landscaping, says Wayne. “She tells me what she wants and I try to help her.”

Auburn University’s Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art has not only transformed the local and regional art world since its opening on South College Street, it has also made an important aesthetic impact on Auburn’s most prominent entrance into the city. The Museum is the recipient of the “Loveliest Village” Inspiration Award, in recognition of its impressive landscaping on South College Street which sets a new standard for institutional landscaping installations in our community.

Robert Crittenden [left] President of Auburn Beautification Council and Jack Johnson [right] of its Awards Committee, present Dr. Michael W. Panhorst the “Loveliest Village” Inspiration Award for the impressive landscaping of the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art on South College Street.

Joanne Schrantz of Auburn Beautification Council, left, congratulates Mary Cho of Cho Realty and Tia Gonzales, landscape designer, on Cho’s “Loveliest Village” revitalization award. Cho is commended for the renovation of the early 1900s home and its colorful, creative landscaping on North College Street.

Mary Cho has been involved in the Auburn real estate business since the early 1980s. In 1992, she formed her on company, Mary Cho Realty Inc. While searching for office space, Mary discovered a wonderful historic house at 311 North College Street. Cho recognized the importance of preserving the home and was determined to make the most of its stately presence on the city’s main street. She spruced up the house itself, then hired licensed designer Tia Gonzales to design and maintain the borders and flower beds. The result has been an ever-changing colorful display for passers by.

Tom Corley and the late Dennis Rouse were recently honored by the Auburn Beautification Council for their long-standing commitment to the beautification of the City of Auburn. During a recent ceremony to honor the men, the Council named the triangular flower garden at Kiesel Park “The Dennis Rouse and Tom Corley Garden.” An appropriate permanent plaque was placed on the garden gate.

Congratulating the honorees are, from left, June Corley, Mary Corley, Tom Corley [awardee], David Rouse [on behalf of the late Dr. Dennis Rouse], Cynthia Rouse, Robert Crittenden [President of Auburn Beautification Council] and Auburn Mayor Bill Ham.

Joanne Schrantz, right, presents the Loveliest Village Revitalization Award award to Susie Thomas, for renovations and landscaping in Auburn's Historic District.

John and Susie Thomas are Auburn Beautification Commission’s latest recipients of the “Loveliest Village Award for Revitalization.” Located at 365 North College Street, the house is a gathering place for the third generation of Thomases, beginning in 1928 with John’s grandparents, Benjamin and Olive. Although the gardens had fallen into disrepair by the time the young Thomases decided to make it their home in 1989, they have made an effort to retain the earlier plantings and have uncovered brick walkways in the English garden which they are currently using for vegetables and cut flowers.

John Hinrichsen, left, 108 Willow Creek Road is recognized with the “Loveliest Village” Inspiration Award in recognition of his decades-long dedication to the creation of his landscape, created without the help of professionals, but with ample patience and hard work. Presenting the award is Sheila Eckman, ABC Awards Committee Chair.

Some people just seem to be possessed with vision. That is the case with Dr. Bobby Dees, who is being honored for the second time within a year with the Auburn Beautification Council’s “Loveliest Village” Revitalization Award. This time, the award recognizes his renovation of the Swope-Dees House and grounds at 554 Moore’s Mill Road, Dees’ home. ABC Award Committee member Jack Johnson, left, presents the award to Dees.

Since about 1980, passers by have been inspired by the gorgeous climbing red roses along the fence at 639 South College Street in Auburn. The homeowners, John and Rebecca French, built their home in 1978. Soon thereafter, they made the climbing roses the crowning touch to their lovely landscape. Presenting the award to the Frenches is Carolyn Coker, ABC Award Committee member, right.

Retiring in Auburn was a no-brainer for Dorothy and Jesse Weekfall. Dorothy ancestors—the Berry family—have inhabited areas in the North College Street and Summerhill Road areas of Auburn for four generations. After their retirement they headed home and made plans to build on a lot on North College Street owned by Dorothy’s father. They quickly bought the lot next door, took down the old house it held, and started building their dream retirement home. Their lovely brick home was contracted and built in 2002. Then Jesse’s real work began. He designed and planted the entire landscape, which is approximately 300’ x 140’. The spacious back yard accommodates a play area for grandchildren. The immaculate front yard is replete with blooming flower beds, attractive trees and a well-kept lawn. From left are Dibble Welch, ABC Award Committee Member George Bengsten, Jesse and Dorothy Weekfall.

The home at 320 East Thach Avenue, owned by John and Carolyn Wright, is perennially delightful to the passerby. Always neatly kept, it also provides ongoing color most of the year. The Wrights use both perennials and annuals to impart eye-catching colors to their landscape.

The Flower Store, 2290 Moore’s Mill Road, at Ogletree Village, is a perfect example of a business that contributes to the beauty of its surroundings through the use of colorful flowers and other plants, including herbs. Owner Stanley Sistrunk enhances his trees and shrubs with colorful annuals and perennials throughout the year.

John Elliott (right) accepts the Auburn Beautification Council’s “Pat on the Back” award from awards committee member George Bengsten. Elliott is cited for his 36 years of volunteer maintenance of the entrance to Auburn’s Willow Creek neighborhood.

Auburn High School JROTC cadets participate in their usual Thursday clean-up of Baptist Hill Cemetery, at the intersection of Dean Road and Thach Avenue in Auburn. The Auburn Beautification Council has presented the group its “Pat on the Back” award for the students’ service to the cemetery, which enhances Auburn’s appearance. Under the direction of Major Doug Sams and Sgt. Major Wayne Johnson, they have cleaned the cemetery for seven years.

Urban Birding, at Ogletree Village, is the recipient of the Auburn Beautification Council’s first “Inspiration Award.” The award is designed to recognize individuals, businesses, and organizations whose efforts toward beautification serve as a source of inspiration to others in the community.

Urban Birding’s focus on birding supplies and unique outdoor gardening is aptly reflected at its entrance with a variety of colorful blooming plants which are updated seasonally.

Owners (from left) Holly Plumlee and Cindy Gail accept the award from Awards Committee member Joanne Schrantz (right).

Jack Johnson (left), of the Awards Committee of Auburn Beautification Council, congratulates Bobby Dees for the Loveliest Village Award, presented for the revitalization of the Bowman-Dees House at 409 E. Glenn.