For some people, planting a garden, mowing the grass and hedging the shrubs is a labor of love. For others, it’s just labor. In either case, it is a responsibility that faces all property owners and its impact goes much deeper than simply having a well-kept yard.
Last week, those among us who go above and beyond in the area of beautification were recognized during the Demopolis in Bloom organization’s fifth annual awards ceremony. Both individuals and businesses were recognized for taking pride in ensuring their own special areas of Demopolis are maintained and attractive.
While the City of Demopolis Horticulture Department plays a key role in the Demopolis in Bloom group, it’s impossible to recognize those who keep the city beautiful without mentioning City Horticulturist Barbara Blevins and all of those who play a role there.
There are a lot of reasons to maintain a standard of cleanliness and beauty in a small city. There are the obvious environmental issues as well as bringing about a certain level of pride among residents that they live in ‘a nice town.’
Beautification can also play roles in the bigger picture of a city’s success as it looks to grow and prosper. When it comes to luring businesses and industries to an area there are a lot of variables and having an attractive city is one of them. These companies are looking to locate in towns where they not only want to work, but where they will want to live with their families. When competing against other cities and towns, sometimes clean streets and pretty lawns can make a big difference.
Beautification can also play a role in tourism. By maintaining our historic districts and structures, we are putting up welcome signs to the world to come and see what Demopolis has to offer. From our rivers to historic homes, Demopolis has a lot to enjoy. When a visitor to our community leaves the area it is important that they can spread the word in ‘what a beautiful city’ Demopolis is to visit.
Setting a standard for beautification in Demopolis is important and recognizing those who do their part is equally important. Demopolis in Bloom makes sure that those deserving recognition receives it and, with any luck, will inspire others to take their efforts to the next level.
Congratulations to Demopolis in Bloom and all of those who make Demopolis a beautiful place to live, work and play.

Robert Blankenship is the Publisher and Editor of the Demopolis Times. He can be reached at robert.blankenship@demopolistimes.com.