EDITOR’S NOTE: This story was authored by Hannah Martin.
MANSFIELD — The Mansfield Men’s Garden Club Beautification Awards have become a signal for the beginning of autumn.
While the leaves will begin changing in a few weeks to give us a new spectrum of colors, some Richland County residents have been working all summer to spruce up their specific corners of the county.
On Tuesday, Mansfield mayor Jodie Perry joined the garden club at Kingwood Center Gardens, and assisted Jim Kulig in presenting the first award — the Jim Kulig Community Champion Award. Kulig received a special award last year, so he shared that honor this year with Doug Versaw.
“When you think of someone who tirelessly works to make our community look better and improve, Doug Versaw is right up at the top of the list along with Jim Kulig and many others who are here tonight,” Perry said.
She then shared her appreciation for all the work Versaw has done for so many years.
“There’s a lot of things that people probably don’t even know have Doug’s fingerprints on them,” the mayor said. “Our community is certainly stronger for the work that he does.”
Versaw briefly thanked Perry for her kind words and for presenting the award to him.
“It could not have come from a person I admire more,” Versaw said.
After the greeting and first special award, everyone enjoyed a buffet catered by Cody Hunt. There was time for socializing and connecting with friends before the remaining awards were presented.
Beautification Award winners represented several sections of the county. All were recognized for their hard work, dedication, and time put into making their property look nice while enhancing the appearance of their respective communities, too.
Winners received a 2024 Garden Award sign and mum. They also shared answers to different questions related to gardening.
Gary Hoovler noted he has been working on his garden for 40 years. The one tip he shared for working in your garden was, “Always water your hanging baskets every day.”
Kay Whitcomb’s garden was recognized by Kingwood’s Brenda Nelson, who stated, “Every time I drive by there, it makes me happy.”
Jon Burton also received an award. The secret to his garden was to call Dave Bell — a fellow member of the garden club.
Ed Pickens presented an award to Jon Burton. Pickens reflected that Jon’s dad was the former president of the Mansfield Men’s Garden Club.
“(Jon) has a little head up on this stuff,” Pickens chuckled.
Char Bottomley was another winner. When asked to describe her garden in one to three words, she said, “eclectic.”
Pickens agreed. “Yes. It is that.”
Diane McClain’s one to three words were: “Very proud.”
While the winners received their awards, screens throughout the room shared pictures of their gardens. Each garden was so different, but the hard work, dedication, and love were present in each photo.
A few other notable civic winners this year included Clear Fork Veterinary Hospital, Wedgewood Estates (Lori Casto), and Wishmaker House (Kathryn Cain).
The Mansfield Men’s Garden Club also recognized numerous organizations and garden clubs that helped plant in downtown Mansfield.
After the awards, Versaw pulled numbers out of a raffle for the remaining mums.