Auburn Beautification Council, Auburn Alabama

Auburn Beautification Council

Home

Activities

2011 Awards

Information

Support

Downtown Basket

Basket Sponsors

Plant Sale

Cityfest Booth

Tree Campus

Membership Wine and Cheese

Home

downtown basket
Rouse Corley Garden
Basket Sponsors
Plant Sale
Membership Wine and Cheese
Tree Campus USA

A non-profit, volunteer organization dedicatited to a cleaner, healthier, safer, and more beautiful Auburn to live in, work in, and visit.

Activities

Blackburn Memorial

DOWNTOWN_THANK_YOU!_007.JPG
Lovliest_Village_Award_1.JPG
ABC - PAT ON THE BACK COLLEEN (4).JPG
IMG_4779.JPG
Tree Campus USA
ABC_Bench_Dedication_-_Family.jpg

Dorry Ann Johnston Blackburn Memorial Bench Dedication

Auburn Beautification Council Dedicated Bench to the Late Dorry Ann Hayes Johnston BlackburnAuburn, Ala. - The Auburn Beautification Council dedicated a memorial bench and planters to the late Dorry Ann Hayes Johnston Blackburn on Friday, Nov. 18 at 10 a.m. in Downtown Auburn in front of Wrapsody on N College St. Blackburn, a lifelong citizen of Auburn, passed away earlier this year on March 26. As a founding member of the Auburn Beautification Council, the dedication is a tribute to her work as an advocate for the City of Auburn and its beautification.Born on Sept. 12, 1930, “Dorry Ann,” as she was known by most, enrolled at Alabama Polytechnic Institute (API) in 1948 and spent the rest of her life in Auburn. During this time, she helped found the Auburn Beautification Council (ABC), which has been a longtime partner with the City of Auburn on beautification projects in Auburn. She was an active member of the Tidy Tigers, the working group for ABC which took on many projects, including the awards for home gardens. She also helped found the Auburn Cemetery Trust, a group committed to acquiring funding for capital improvement projects in cemeteries owned by the City of Auburn. Many of the Cemetery Trust projects have included landscaping, decorative fences, or other work to improve the aesthetics of the cemeteries. Dorry Ann is survived by her three children: Trey Johnston, Skip Johnston, and Dixie Johnston Keller.The Auburn Beautification Council Thanks everyone that joined them for this ceremony. The photo is of the Family od Dorry Ann that attended the dedication ceremony.

DOWNTOWN_THANK_YOU!_007.JPG
ABC - PAT ON THE BACK COLLEEN (4).JPG
IMG_4779.JPG
Tree Campus USA

Awards

DOWNTOWN_THANK_YOU!_007.JPG
Lovliest_Village_Award_1.JPG
ABC - PAT ON THE BACK COLLEEN (4).JPG
IMG_4779.JPG
Tree Campus USA

Awards

Loveliest Village Inspiration AwardRevitalization AwardsPat on the Back AwardCrittenden AwardAuburn Beautification Council AwardPurpose To recognize a business, an organization or a state, county, or federal agency which has contributed significantly to the beautification of the city of Auburn or its surrounding areas. This is the highest award bestowed by the Auburn Beautification Council. Nomination Procedure An award nomination form shall be completed and submitted to the Awards Committee. Forms may be completed by anyone in the community. Forms are available under the Support tab.Frequency of Award The award will be presented no more than once per year. Method of recognition: Place a permanent placard on the site. Bestow a printed certificate.

DOWNTOWN_THANK_YOU!_007.JPG
Lovliest_Village_Award_1.JPG
ABC - PAT ON THE BACK COLLEEN (4).JPG
IMG_4779.JPG
Tree Campus USA

Projects

basket plant fall 2011.jpg
basket plant fall 2011d.jpg
Rouse Corley Garden
Cityfest 2011
Nunn Winston House

Projects

Auburn Floral TrailAuburn's Downtown Lamppost BasketsBestow and publicize AwardsMaintiain Rouse-Corley Garden at Kiesel ParkParticipate in Auburn's annual Cityfest Maintain gardens at historic Nunn-Winston HouseMaintain Gardens at Town Creek CemeterySupport our projects by joining online! Contact us if you would like to volunteer to help us.

basket plant fall 2011.jpg
basket plant fall 2011d.jpg
Rouse Corley Garden
Cityfest 2011
Nunn Winston House

Annual Events

Wine and Cheese
wine and cheese2
2011wcsignin.JPG
mum sale
plant sale

Annual Events

Spring Wine and Cheese Membership Evening

Floral Trail

Cityfest booth

Fall Mum and Pansie sale

Wine and Cheese
wine and cheese2
2011wcsignin.JPG
mum sale
plant sale

Volunteer

ABCPoster for cityfest
DSC00062.JPG
dennis.jpg
ABC Composting 583.JPG
maybe.jpg

Volunteer Opportunities

Our Membership is always busy and welcomes help with our projects. If you or you group wishes to join us please contact us. Check the Calendar (under information tab) for the next available work day.

ABCPoster for cityfest
DSC00062.JPG
dennis.jpg
ABC Composting 583.JPG
maybe.jpg

Blackburn Memorial
Awards
Projects
Annual Events
Volunteer

2011 Awards

Mark Jones

The Auburn Beautification council recently awarded The Loveliest village Award for Inspiration to Mark Jones on 719 Gay Street. Mark has owned the home since 2000. The home was originally built by prominent builder, Charlie Rush, for his personal home. Mark has slowly transitioned the grounds to highlight the home. The focal point of the landscaping is the enormous elm tree flanked by manicured ivy beds. A collection of camellias, gardenias, and boxwoods complement the traditional Southern architecture. Seasonal beds are added for a splash of color year round.Mark is the owner of Prestige Properties. If you have a home to nominate for an inspirational or revitalization award, please complete the nomination form at Auburn Beautification.org. Pictured from left to right: Dennis Drake, Beth Dorman, Becky Large, Dennis Pinkard and Mark Jones.

Lauryn and Cope Smith

It gives the Auburn Beautification Council great pleasure to present the Loveliest Village Award to Lauryn and Cope Smith, the recipients for the month of September. Auburn Beautification Council member, Dennis Pinkard, nominated the couple after admiring their yard on his morning runs. The Smiths have lived in their Grove Hill home on the corner of Stanton Drive and Grove Hill Road for2 1/2 years. In that time, they have added many landscaping elements to the property that have enhanced the appearance. Improvements include transplanting existing Willow Oak trees, adding dimension through raised beds and boulders, and creating seasonal annual beds that can show off color year round. Bright apricot-colored Drift roses and variegated liriope border the annual beds for an extra pop of color. There are also pots full of annuals and beautiful window boxes cascading with right green sweet potato vine and purple queen wandering jew. Other plans featured in the landscape are dwarf gardenias, loropetalum, inkberry holly, muhly grass and goldmound spirea."I always said that I wanted a low-maintenance yard," said Smith, "but, I guess it really is in my blood to have the opposite of that!" Smith is the great-grandson of Bonnie and Livingston Paulk, the founders of Union Springs based Bonnie Plant Farm. He, along with his brothe, Hunter, runs Smith Plant Farm in Union Springs where they grow exclusively for Bonnie. Their grandparents and parents are all in the nursery business as well.

Pilkington

Susan and Scott Pilkington

Pilkington picture (left to right) Elizabeth Pilkington (daughter), Susan Pilkington, Dennis Drake, Becky Large, (puppies) Danny and Charlie Susan and Scott Pilkington reside on Pinedale Drive in Auburn. Their home was built in 1935 by first owner Mr. Brown. This home is often referred to as "the Brown Home," by their neighbors. The brick is original, having never been painted as have the majority of homes in the neighborhood. The second owner of this home, Ralph Levy, was a master gardener who enjoyed a chinese garden, including a beautiful ornamental peach tree, in his backyard, while living there. The Pilkington's are the third owners of the home, having lived there since 1998. Susan shared that this was her favorite house and is so pleased to be able to live there with her family. Her husband, Scott, worked overseas during their early years in Auburn, but is now stationed in Montgomery, having more time to devote to their gardens. Their front yard offers an ivory colored picket fence surrounded lots of colorful plants such as begonias, salvia, knock out roses, lantana, and much more.Displayed to the left of their front door is a sculputured pyrocanthus, which grows up their brick wall. The window boxes are filled with colorful petunias. Throughout the yard, you'll find a variety of hydrangeas and fragrant butterfly ginger along with a variety of trees.

John Stinson

John Stinson's picture from left to right are: Becky Large, Dennis Pinkard, Jacquitta Love, Dennis Drake, (sitting) John Stinson and his puppy, Luther From the write up: John's caretakers' names are Lacquitta Love and Mack WilliamsNext door neighbor, Dill Williams, also assists with the garden The wildflowers consist of : cosmos, lantana, marigolds, and much more

Jennings

Colleen Jennings

Have you been asked what is so special about Auburn or even wondered that question yourself? So many people have made that comment about how inviting, beautiful and friendly Auburn is that one morning Catrina Cook and Kay Recknor with the Auburn Beautification Council wanted to discover the answer. They met up with Colleen Jennings while she was pulling her battery operated wagon along College watering the downtown baskets along College St. Colleen meets visitors, AU students, merchants, residents and others who all are greeted with a hello and smile from her each morning as she travels along watering the beautiful floral hanging baskets along College and Magnolia. About 9 years ago ABC established the lamppost hanging baskets which are replanted twice a year. Colleen and her city co-hort Alvin Willis leads the planting in the spring and fall along with ABC volunteers. Unless it rains Colleen can be seen pulling her wagon every morning to maintain the beauty of each basket. Asked what got her so interested, “Why James, my husband, encouraged me”, she replied. He keeps her watering wagon going, gives her insight on the care of plants and even rescued her one morning when a wagon wheel fell off in the middle of the street when crossing. Colleen and James who is a Horticulturist, met while students at AU. James is currently Superintendent of Beautification in Parks and Recreation. When the baskets were established the cost was $500 per basket and now it takes $250 each to maintain them on a yearly basis. Being a volunteer and a non-profit organization, ABC reaches out for financial support from local families, clubs & organizations, merchants and basket sponsors to maintain the baskets and other projects throughout the city. As we met up with Darcie Rogers, owner of the University Barber Shop he said, “The downtown baskets have become so popular with the merchants that they would be missed if they were removed”. Now the downtown baskets are not the only project coordinated by ABC throughout the city. They sponsor the Auburn Floral Trail each spring; bestow Loveliest Village awards and publicize winners in area newspapers; maintain the Rouse-Corley Garden in Kiesel Park; participate in Auburn’s annual CityFest outdoor festival; maintain the historic Nunn-Winston House gardens at Kiesel Park and maintain the gardens at Town Creek Cemetery. One may go to their website www.auburnbeautification.org for additional updated information and nomination forms.We hope you will soon visit downtown for yourself and admire the baskets and blooming crepe myrtles and sit a spell on one of the inviting benches and smile to those passing by. It is for sure, if you go early in the morning when Colleen is watering she’ll not only smile but will probably stop for conversation with you as she goes along her merry watering way. She may even take time to wave to honkers that pass by while visiting with you.

Dalrymple

Larry Dalrymple

Larry Dalrymple’s contributions to our community and to fundraising efforts for the East Alabama Food Bank are immeasurable. With the Gardener’s Plant Sale, he has helped to raise more than $55,000 for the Food Bank’s Brown Bag Program. He has contributed since the inception of the plant sale, and, for the past four years, he has made the largest plant donations received for the fundraiser. Mr. Dalrymple holds a position in the Entomology and Plant Pathology Department at Auburn University, and is also a Lee County Master Gardener. Beginning in 2006, Mr. Dalrymple began devoting a large portion of his Auburn University outreach hours to growing plants to raise money for the Food Bank. Mr. Dalrymple has used this opportunity to spread his enthusiasm for horticulture to area gardeners. He donates his time to give advice about plants and their cultivation. This year, Mr. Dalrymple emphasized heirloom indeterminate tomatoes, a selection of American native wildflowers, and native woodland plants. He contributed an astounding 4,000 plants this year that he grew from seeds and cuttings. His efforts encourage home gardeners to broaden their knowledge of plant species, as well as promoting water conservation and city beautification. He also places emphasis on perennials, deer resistant, and non-invasive species. In many cases, this is the only resource in this county for gardeners to purchase these plant varieties. Mr. Dalrymple’s plants filled an entire greenhouse on AU’s campus. They are now growing in hundreds of gardens in our community, and are becoming ‘pass around’ plants to hundreds more. Through the Gardener’s fundraiser, Mr. Dalrymple’s plants are also growing at area schools, parks, and non-profit organizations.The Auburn Beautification Council is pleased to award Larry Dalrymple the “Pat on the Back” award for his great service to our community. For further information in making a nomination please go to AuburnBeautification.org for details and forms.

Hajek

Dr. Phillip and Debbie Hajek

The Hajek Family residence sits on the corner of East Thach and Payne Street in Auburn. They recently received the Loveliest Village Revitalization Award from the Auburn Beautification Council. Pictured from left to right are Dennis Drake and Taylor Deen. Taylor's grandfather, Phillip Hajek, purchased the prior home in hopes of revitalizing during reconstruction, but realized it needed to be razed. Taylor explained much of the detail inside her home was modeled after the original home, such as transom windows above the doors. Her front porch offers a comfortable, relaxing atmosphere including a porch swing and brown wicker furniture with overstuffed cushions. Columns with stacked stone bases sustain three archways on her front porch. Her manicured lawn is beautifully landscaped with lorapetalum and variegated monkey grass along with brightly colored flowers planted in black urns.We applaud Taylor and her grandfather for this lovely transformation. You can also find her home featured in the 2011-2012 edition to "Welcome a guide for the new area residents" magazine.

Jones

Beth and Frazier Jones

Beth and Frazier Jones have been awarded the Loveliest Inspiration Award. Their home is located on Yorkshire Dr. in Moores Mill Estates. Photographed from left to right are Beth Jones, Becky Large, and her grandson, Brandon Large. Beth and Frazier's landscape offers a cool, shaded retreat which affords a great deal of pleasure for both family and friends.. This area is beautifully terraced with stacked stone, most of which Frazier installed himself. The yard has been carefully designed to accommodate the lot and the architecture of the house. It is far from boring or monochromatic. Thier landscape is sprinkled with cool shade loving annuals, ferns, and traffic friendly ground cover plants placed under large shade trees. Beth and Frazier have created a pet and people friendly yard which signals a genuine welcome to all who visit.The entire family take great pride in their garden, all of whom contribute to its success. Their children enjoy tossing tennis balls to their pets in their garden's lovely shade area. Beth inherited her love for gardening from her father. If you would like to nominate a yard for the Auburn Beautification Award, you can nominate online using the Auburn Beautification website: auburnbeautification.org or contact a member of the committee.

2011 Basket Sponsors

Downtown Basket Sponsors

Our Basket Sponors for this year include: Mrs. Christine Danner J & M Bookstore War Eagle Garden Club (2 baskets) Civitan Club Varsity Enterprises Wilson Investments The Villager Battaglia Law Firm (2 baskets) McGowin Properties Mellow Mushroom Alice and Robert Crittenden Joanne and Paul Schrantz Sharon and Dan Nichols Lauren and Virginia Wolfe Joe Yeager Hamilton's Auburn Bank Behind the Glass Himmelwright, Hughuley & Boles,LLC The Locker Room of Auburn George Spence City of Auburn Industrial Development Board BBVA Compass Bank Regions Bank Terri Porter Adams,Umbach,Davidson&White LLPThank you for your support!

Ted Wilson

The Auburn Beautification council recently awarded a Pat on the Back Award to Ted Wilson for his efforts in support of the downtown baskets. His efforts resulted in many new basket sponsers for 2011. The Beautification council is grateful for his hard work on our behalf.

Two 21 Armstrong

221 armstrong revialtization 2011 award.jpg

Two21 Armstrong Apartments opened the fall of 2008. Formerly Woodridge apartments, Two21 has brought and maintained a sophisticated update to this prime location near campus. Two21 has 156 units ranging from 1 to 3 bedrooms, a refreshing pool, 24 hr fitness center and wifi lounge. The beautiful landscaping as well as spacious buildings, make this property the perfect choice for the “Loveliest Village Award.”Pictured below are property manager, Jason Pyron along with ABC council members Beth Dorman and Dennis Drake

Charter Bank & Golden Bicycle

Charter Bank and Golden’s Bikes of Auburn located on South College Street recently received the Auburn Beautification Council’s Loveliest Village Award for Revitalization. As can be seen from photos above, the investment in the renovation of the former Best Rental Building to the present day building is something of which the city of Auburn can be proud.

Steven's Family

The Steven's Family

Jennifer and Michael Stevens on Yorkshire Dr. recently received the ABC Award for Inspiration. The stone pathways in this family friendly yard in Moores Mill Estates lead you through a beautiful exhibit of white oaks, tulip poplars, beech trees, shade gardens and sunny perennial gardens.

Mike & Robin Reynolds

The most recent recipients of the Auburn Beautification Award for Inspiration are Mike and Robin Reynolds. Their lovely home, located in Ashton Park was purchased in November 1997. Many of the original plants and shrubs were arranged to most effectively showcase the house. Encore azaleas were added to the beds as well as old-fashioned spirea. Eight Chinese holly shrubs were also transplanted from Robin’s family home on Ferndale Drive and added to their landscape on Watercrest Dr. These same holly shrubs were in place in Robin’s family home when her parents received the Auburn Beautification Award in the nineties. “Wow,” Mike stated, “I guess these Chinese holly shrubs won the award twice!” Hydrangeas, Easter lilies and azaleas given to the Reynolds upon the death of Robin’s dad and Mike’s mother have also been incorporated in the landscape to honor their memories. Knock-out roses and day-lilies share the front beds with numerous annuals such as caladiums, asters, daisies, vinca, and zinnias which are circulated in and out during the spring and summer.Please nominate your favorite home for a Loveliest Village Award by logging onto www.auburn beautification.org.Featured in the picture from left to right: Robin Reynolds, Mike Reynolds, Becky Large and Dennis Drake.

Fern and Nevil Garrett

Fern and nevil Garrett

Mr. and Mrs. Nevil Garrett of 309 Lee Drive in Auburn have received the Auburn Beautification Award. Friends who nominated their yard for this award stressed tht the beauty of the yard exists year round. On several occasions the Garretts have been asked to share their yard as a venue for wedding photographs. The manicured front lawn is bordered with azaleas, rhododendrons, and hydrangeas. A showy grancy graybeard tree is a standout feature along with a sculptured peach tree. The Garret yard is also among the yards featured this year on the Auburn Floral Trail.

Mark Jones
Lauryn and Cope Smith
Pilkington
John Stinson
Jennings
Dalrymple
Hajek
Jones
2011 Basket Sponsors
Ted Wilson
Two 21 Armstrong
Charter Bank & Golden Bicycle
Steven's Family
Mike & Robin Reynolds
Fern and Nevil Garrett

Information

St. Michaels Clean Up 006.jpg
Flower
Flower
Flower
Flower

Meetings

All meetings of the ABC are open to its membership and interested members of the general public.

Meetings are presently held on the third Wednesday of each month at the Auburn Chamber of Commerce.

The meeting time is from 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM.

We do not meet in the months of July or December.

St. Michaels Clean Up 006.jpg
Flower
Flower
Flower
Flower

Officiers

Flower
Basket_Group_Oct._09.jpg
Wildflowers
Rosebud
Narcissus

Officers

President Kay Recknorkbobal318_gmail.comPresident-Elect Nancy Bendingercarlton654_charter.netImmediate Past President Catrina Cookccook_auburnalabama.orgSecretary: Barbara Webberbarbaracwebber_bellsouth.netTreasurer: Lynne Furlowchuckfurlow_charter.netParliamentarian Robert Crittendenrgcrittenden_hotmail.comHistorian: Julie McGowinjewelnem_aol.com

Flower
Basket_Group_Oct._09.jpg
Wildflowers
Rosebud
Narcissus

Board and Liasons

DSC02411.JPG
924.JPG
930.JPG
DSC00062.JPG
DSC00078.JPG

DSC02411.JPG
924.JPG
930.JPG
DSC00062.JPG
DSC00078.JPG

Board Members and Liasons

Chamber of Commerce Lolly Steiner

Lolly_auburnchamber.com

Auburn City Council Sheila Eckman

sheilaeckman_bellsouth.net

Auburn City Schools Jenifer Lovvorn

Downtown Merchants Julie McGowin

brandxpizza_aol.com

Auburn Parks & Recreation Becky Richardson

brichardson_auburnalabama.org

Environmental Services Catrina Cook

ccook_auburnalabama.org

Master Gardeners Dennis Pinkard

Auburn Tree Commission Dennis Pinkard

Kiawanis Club of Auburn Jay Hovey

Auburn University Representative Charles Crawford

Auburn University Student Anne Barganier

Garden Club Carolyn Coker

Camellia Club Roy Fabbrini

At Large Jack Johnson

At Large Sharon Nichols

At Large Dennis Drake

At Large Beth Dorman

At Large Lisa Hollans

At Large Doug Klinkenborg

At Large Becky Large

At Large Peggy McDonald

At Large Martha Shepherd

Volunteer Brenda Warford

Calendar

ABCPoster.JPG
DSC00062.JPG
dennis.jpg
maybe.jpg
IMG_1056.JPG

Calendar

October 19 - Monthly MeetingOctober 1 - Fall Plant SaleNovember 16 - Monthly MeetingDecember - No meeting this month

ABCPoster.JPG
DSC00062.JPG
dennis.jpg
maybe.jpg
IMG_1056.JPG

Links

abclogo.jpg
DSC00062.JPG
dennis.jpg
maybe.jpg
IMG_1056.JPG

Links

Auburn/Opelika Convention & Visitors Bureau→ http://www.aotourism.comAuburn City Schools→ http://www.auburnschools.orgCity of Auburn→ http://www.auburnalabama.orgGreenspace Advisory Board - City of Auburn→ http://www.auburnalabama.org/boards-comm/greenspace.htmHistoric Preservation Commission - City of Auburn→ http://www.auburnalabama.org/boards-comm/historic_preservation_commission.htmLand Trust of East Alabama→ http://www.ltea.comMaster Gardener Program→ http://www.aces.edu/mgParks and Recreation Advisory Board - City of Auburn→ http://www.auburnalabama.org/boards-comm/parks.htmSmart Growth - City of Auburn→ http://www.auburnalabama.org/growthTree Commission - City of Auburn→ http://www.auburnalabama.org/boards-comm/tree_commission.htm

Meetings
Officiers
Board and Liasons
Calendar
Links

Support

Membership

Auburn Beautification Council is a non profit organization that is funded by membership dues, basket sponsorships, donations, and our fall plant sale. Join Online!Student Membership $5.00Family Membership $25.00Clubs & Organizations $30.00Business Membership $100.00Basket Sponsorship $250.00

Buy Now

Nominate

Use these forms to nominate someone you know who deserves to be recognized for their hard work!There will be no announced timing of awards. Guidlines for the Loveliest Village Awards All levels and types of housing will be considered Nominations will be judged from the public view, as opposed to back yards or hidden gardens Not more than 1 award per year, per entity, i.e., nominee can’t get revitalization award and inspiration award in same year Nominee (site) eligible for either award just once in five years, unless ownership changes. Nominations for revitalization awards are required to have sustained the revitalized appearance for at least one year Decisions are subjective; no scale or check list No distinction made between professional landscaping or homeowner/business owner landscaping, since those paying for assistance could well spend their resources elsewhere. Photos are encouraged with nomination Can’t self-nominate Recognition sign to remain on site for one monthPat on the Back Award Guidelines All types of civic groups, clubs, etc. will be considered, as well as individuals Number given will not be limited; awarded as appropriate Photos are encouraged Can’t self-nominate Can receive award more than once a year for different projects

LoveliestVillageAward_20080205.pdf

PatBackAwardNomination.pdf

Volunteer

We are always in need of help with many of our projects. We have workdays for Keisel Park, Rouse Corley garden, Downtown baskets, and cityfest. If you or your group is interested in helping please email us at AuburnBeautificationCouncil_gmail.com

Plant Sale

Fall Plant Sale

Saturday October 1 2011 from 8am - noonat City of Auburn Parks and Rec on Dean Road4" Pansie Flats 12/flat for $154" Viola Flats 12/flat for $158" mum for $68" Kale for $612" Color bowl $1710" Hanging Basket $10Preorders due by Sept 24th

Memoriam

If you would like to make a donation in honor or in memory of someone please fill out and return this form:

In Memory Donation form.odt

Membership
Nominate
Volunteer
Plant Sale
Memoriam