Landscaper makes city bloom

One recent day I decided to drive down Main just to see the colorful plantings. Cathy Mobley, a city employee who has over 20 years of service, is in charge of the landscaping.

With the full support of Mayor Jim Gray, she and a hardworking team increased the downtown containers to 321.

We now have an experiment of waterless baskets, water gardens and a great variety of plants. The combinations are very attractive.

One person spends time taking trash out of the beds. Baskets are watered and fed regularly, usually three times a week.

Our city participates in the America in Bloom contest. Last year, we won. Our city building is beautifully done.

The other day, I found four healthy tobacco plants on High Street in the 300 block. Some visitors have never seen tobacco.

The entrances to Lexington have been planted in interesting ways. At Newtown and Leestown, there is a meandering path through lavender. The median on Newtown is full of liriope.

Thanks are in order to all the employees who have made these displays possible. This is often hot and difficult work, as anyone with a green thumb knows.

This story was originally published October 4, 2017 at 6:58 PM with the headline "Landscaper makes city bloom."