This is the tenth year for The Bedford Garden Club’s Bedford Beauties program. Coordinator Shirley Pashall said that due to the coronavirus pandemic, the club went back and forth whether to still hold the event, or to just wait until next year to start back up. Ultimately, they decided to continue and they were very happy with the results.
“Even though we started a little late, we still got 40 nominations.” she said.
In all, The Garden Club recognized 56 properties for having front yards that went “above and beyond” in their decorative appeal. Of those properties, 26 were designated as Bedford Beauties, and 30 were given the title of “Looking Good” Tenders.
Each house selected as a Bedford Beauty is given a sign to place in the front yard honoring the work the residents have done. These homes usually have a combination of a well-kept lawn and trimmed greenery, and typically an assortment of flower beds or flower boxes and other colorful designs. Tenders are homes or businesses that were judged to have many of the elements the garden club is looking for in a Bedford Beauty.
Pat Janoco was pleasantly surprised at having received her Bedford Beauties award this year. She and her husband Ray have lived on Briar Lane for 50 years. In fact, they moved there right after they were married, and raised their four children in the house. This is the Janoco’s first time getting the award, although they have received a few Tenders.
She didn’t realized she had been chosen for the honor until she noticed the sign posted in her yard.
“We were home on our enclosed patio,” Janoco said. “I came out and looked out the door and there was the sign. They (also) left a little card.
“I was excited,” she said. “I finally won after all of these years.”
Briar Lane is an out-of-the-way little street that turns off of Heather Lane on the eastern side of town. The street ends in a cul-de-sac, and that is where the Janoco’s house is located.
“I’ve had garage sales, and people have said they never knew (the street) was hear,” she said.
Janoco said that this year it has been a bit of a struggle keeping up with the yard since she had hip replacement surgery in February. Still, the results speak for themselves as the front of the house bursts forth with color.
“There is always something blooming,” she said. “Always some color of some sort.”
This was the second year the Garden Club has awarded businesses with the Bedford Beauties honor. Data-Basics, Inc. on Broadway Avenue was chosen to receive the honor for the second year in a row.
In order for a home or business to be eligible to participate, they had to have been nominated, either by a peer, or they could have nominated themselves. If you missed it this year, keep your eyes out for the opportunity next year!
So, without further delay, here are this year’s Bedford Beauties organized by City Wards.
Ward 1
Ward 2
Ward 3
Ward 4
Ward 5
Ward 6
