Hurrah! Thankfully we are now enduring the last wintry weather and are nearing the first day of spring!

One of the infrequent times I regret not being richer is this time of year when I look through plant and seed catalogs in anticipation of planting time. With my small yard, it’s probably a blessing I am not, or I would have an impenetrable jungle out my back door!

On my daily neighborhood walks on the south side of town, I am seeing whole clumps of blooming daffodils, crocus, and the green of tulips soon to bloom.

Ironton In Bloom, Inc. has just finished making two bulletin board displays; one featuring photographs of Ironton in Bloom’s 2012 yard winners, the other our business awards for 2012.

If I do say so myself, the pictures are quite good and those who were chosen for these awards should feel very proud, since there was definitely some serious competition.

The displays are set up on the main floor of the City Center on Third Street, near the fountain. If you need a little inspiration to get started with your spring gardening or want to give your business and grounds an upgrade, stop by and see these exceptional examples.

The 2012 business awards went to Park Avenue Apartments, A New You Beauty Salon, Buffalo Wild Wings Restaurant, J&M Steel, Department of Job and Family Services, Touch of Grace Florists, and Guy’s Floor Covering.

Yard winners were Larry, Nancy, and Kathy Kelley, Mike and Julie Ball, Tom and Sandy Castle, Kevin and Susan Roberts, Gary and Deb Castle, Phil and Cheryl Willis, City Mission Church, and St. Joseph Catholic Church.

The yard competition begins anew in April and is awarded monthly through September.

The business awards are given every other month throughout the year.

Citizens are encouraged to nominate their own- or any good-looking yard or business-by emailing Irontoninbloom@zoominternet.net, sending the nominee’s name and address to Ironton In Bloom Inc., Box 4599, Ironton, or by contacting any member.

And while you’re thinking about beautiful yards, mark Sunday, June 23 on your calendar now and plan to attend our “Over the Backyard Fence” Yard Tour.

The self-guided tour will begin at the museum on 6th Street where ticket holders will receive directions to each of the seven backyards, and homemade cookies and cold drinks throughout the day. Some of the Ghost Walk characters plan to be at the museum to greet guests.

If you have a yard you are proud of and would like to include it in the tour, contact Jan Wolfe at (740) 532-1030.

Happy Spring!

 

Judy Sanders is an Ironton resident and a volunteer with the Ironton In Bloom organization.