Poinsett-Bland Garden Club names Homeowner and Business Yards of the Month

Homeowners Pamela and Dion Bowen, 406 W. Calhoun St., have designed a front garden that works for all seasons. The shrubbery bed is lined with liriope and anchored with lantana. Yellowy-green sunshine ligustrum adds color contrast. Window boxes overflowing with ferns accent the windows on both levels of the home. Vertical interest is added by an Arborvitae 'Green Emerald' shrub spiraling skyward. Their fall design was a smorgasbord of color featuring pumpkins, mums and mixed greenery cascading down the home's front steps toward the bustling street. Now, the Bowens are preparing for the Christmas holidays and have transitioned to traditional holiday colors. Deep green swags are festooned with ruby red bows and balls. Visitors to Lollibear children's boutique in Sumter's uptown shopping district expect to find a bountiful selection of everyday attire and special-occasion outfits for kids from newborns to tweens. In addition to its clothing, shoes, toys and gifts, this business' double-entrance doors are embellished with wreaths and graceful greenery. The décor is the perfect backdrop for the stately toy soldiers greeting customers. The decorations are more than "the expected." Look for the Sumter Green and Council of Garden Clubs' sign in the store's planter at 101 N. Main St.