By Barbara Hadley Smith, The Garden Club of Frankfort
Each year The Garden Club of Frankfort presents Beautification Awards to people and institutions whose noteworthy efforts to landscape their property add to the beauty of our community.
Recently nine properties were selected by the judging committee and awards were given to recipients in various categories.
The Business Award was presented to Whitaker Bank, which is an historical landmark at 130 West Main St. The plantings in front of the bank incorporate color, proportion and variety that enhance the building and appeal to multiple senses. The result is a welcoming scene to clients and visitors alike. Rodney Williams, Frankfort Area Bank President, received the award on behalf of Whitaker Bank.
The Subdivision Award went to Silver Lake Homeowners Association and was presented to their representative, Barbara Booze. The committee members received several nominees for this award, but when they visited the entrance to Silver Lake, the color exploded before them and they saw a different view from every angle of the area.
The Community Award was won by Thorn Hill Community Garden at Thorn Hill Community Education Center and presented to Eddie Fowler, manager of the garden and the one at Dolly Graham Park in South Frankfort. The goal of the community garden is to build a sustainable model for healthy community living through education and maintenance of an urban micro forest and community garden with private plots and harvests of fresh seasonal produce. At the Thorn Hill garden, they have educated more than 80 individuals in various aspects of vegetable production and provided garden space for 10 people at both locations.
The Youth Community Award winner is the Second Street School Gardens. These gardens feature a gourd house, tomato plants and pumpkin patch. There are also masses of summer plants in front of the school. The committee stated, “What a vocation to give these school kids an opportunity to learn about plants and enjoy the fruits of their labor with their families.” Guiding the work of the students are Frankfort Independent Schools Farm to School coordinator Connie Lemley, Guidance Counselor Amy Young and Garden Manager Josh Scott.
The Garden Club also selected two non-members and two members of the club to be recognized according to the size of their gardens.
The Non-Member, Large Installation Award went to Ron Langdon. Garden Club members first met Ron when he invited the club to visit his extensive gardens. His whole property has been cultivated into a park-like setting, enhanced by a pergola, gates, sculptures, deciduous shrubs and trees and a variety of plants, including wild indigo. It is a wonderland.
The Non-Member, Small Installation Award was given to Denise Sabol. Her garden has several tiers from the front porch to the vegetable garden. She has such a variety of plants, artwork and structures, in addition to many solar lights. It is a garden that makes you want to come out and spend a dreamy evening there.
The Member, Large Installation Award was received by Theresa Damron. She has an amazing variety of plants, trees, shrubs, garden structures and artwork on a few acres. There are several seating areas and walkways to enhance a visit to this country vision.
The Member, Small Installation Award was given to Rose Doerting. Her back yard features a Secret Garden, individual garden areas, sculptures and artwork which make this garden a standout. Her variety of colorful plants in varying heights draws the eye to what seems a casual array, but is really a well-planned arrangement on every side.
A Special Merit Award was presented to Benjamin Lee, owner of Benjamin’s Flowers and Gifts, who has been very supportive of The Garden Club of Frankfort. Ben is a member of the club and participates in Garden Club shows, but he goes beyond that effort and makes sure he has flowers available to club members for their design entries. He also donates supplies for the children’s workshops and other club activities. Ben has served as the president of the Kentucky Florists Association and the Garden Club is pleased to recognize his contributions.
