Home, business recognized for beautification efforts

By Pat Lawrence
Hillsboro Garden Club

The Hillsboro Garden Club recognized a local homeowner and a local business for their outstanding contributions to community beautification throughout this summer. This season's awards are proof that lovely landscaping can be created even in the most challenging of places.

The residential landscaping award for outstanding achievement in design and maintenance of residential property was presented to the Entrekin family, Joe, Missy and MaKayla, of 125 East North Street Street.

A generous splash of red and pink begonias accents their front porch, and the begonias continue toward the side street in an extended bed lined with vivid and varied annuals and perennials. Gladiola, daylilies, hostas, hydrangea, coleus and a rainbow of zinnias highlight the edge of the corner lot garden.

The family moved into their home just a year a half ago. Joe says, “It's taken a lot of work-and a lot of mulch!"

The Entrekins have made the most of a limited space to create a bright,cheerful, welcoming town garden.

First State Bank, 730 Harry Sauner Road, was the recipient of the business landscaping award for outstanding achievement in design and maintenance of commercial property.

The local bank has locations in Brown and Adams County in addition to this site which opened in May, according to Branch Manager Amy Schoultheis. “Brad Roades of Landscapes & Outer Spaces created our landscape, and we're happy to give him credit for the beautiful results.”

Multiple sets of large terra cotta pots filled with hibiscus, petunias and verbena accentuate the bank's entrances and beds adjoining the building feature small grasses, evergreens and an eye-catching elephant ear plant.

An additional bed facing the parking lot is planted in low-growing evergreens and daylilies. Concrete and brick are requisite for a bank, but careful, colorful landscaping makes this location look inviting and neighborly.

According to Doug Henry, a First State Bank loan officer, “It's another way of letting people feel at home with us and showing support for our community.”

The Hillsboro Garden Club, local chapter of the state-wide Ohio Association of Garden Clubs, honors local residents and business enterprises for their efforts to make Hillsboro a more beautiful place to live.

President Larry Moore says recommendations from the community for deserving individuals and businesses anywhere in Highland County are welcomed and may be made by contacting him, 937-393-2541, or any Hillsboro Garden Club member.