If you've looked around downtown lately, you've seen Prattville's Horticulture Department hard at work. Their labors are evident on almost every corner from big, beautiful pots of flowers mixed with gorgeous tropical leafy plants to the gorgeous hanging baskets that have become a signature decoration in downtown Prattville over the past few years. One of the most interesting and economic changes is that Ken and his staff have grown these plants and flowers from seeds in the wonderful greenhouse that was featured in an earlier article.

Their latest project is the beautification of the front of the Gillespie Senior Center. Johnson used azaleas, holly, aucuba, hydrangea, lots of ferns (which thrive in our climate), hostas, liriape, day lilies, and Russian sage. The affect is breathtaking.

These plants and flowers will need to be watered each day to maintain the landscaping. The Department of Leisure Services has recently put in a new sprinkler system at the center which will take care of all of the watering except for the hanging baskets. A staff member will take care of those.

Matthew Morgan planting ferns.

Their next project is to re-beautify the Fragrance Garden and water feature at Overlook Park on Jay Street. When you see our Horticulture Department out working in the hot sun, making our city beautiful, please take a moment and thank them. Mayor Byard and the City are very proud of the work they are doing.

City Horticulture Department: Squatting in front is Horticulturist Ken Johnson. Standing (from L to R) are Trey Goodson,
Wilson Goodson, Kay Morris, Ray Thomas, and Matthew Morgan. Not shown: Devon Peek.