Anyone walking past the Leflore County Courthouse these days will notice a few changes - freshly planted flowers and shrubs and trimmed magnolia trees.
The beautification project got under way Wednesday.
Spearheading the effort is Debby Cooper, a member of the Greenwood-Leflore County Chamber of Commerce Community Pride Committee and council president of the Greenwood Leflore Council of Garden Clubs.
"This is a Community Pride project," Cooper said. "We wanted to do something to beautify the community and noticed that the courthouse was in need."
The project also was approved by area garden clubs before being presented to the county.
Chancery Clerk Sam Abraham said the county has had an ongoing beautification project for the courthouse in the past five or six years. "We are trying to upgrade the facility and also the lawn," he said.
"We have restored the clock, the clock tower and done maintenance to the courthouse itself," Abraham said. "Now we're into the phases of trying to improve the appearance of the lawn."
The Community Pride Committee submitted a proposal, prepared by Johnny Favara and Cooper, to the Leflore County Board of Supervisors outlining its plans. It was unanimously approved.
Firepower nandinas, Stella D'Oro dwarf day lilies and rudeckia goldstrum are being planted along the entrances to the courthouse and along three sides of the monument on the lawn.
"The chosen plants represent hardy, low-maintenance, colorful plants, which should provide year-round color," Cooper said. "Also, the chosen plants are red and gold colors, which have been recommended to be planted this year in honor of the Majesty of Spain exhibit."
Cost for planting the flowers and shrubs is between $3,300 and $3,400, Abraham said. Because the county will maintain the beds once they are planted, there will be no added cost for labor, he said.
Harold and Joanne Ferguson, owners of Klean Kut Lawn and Garden Center, were the low bidders for the plants. Cooper said Mrs. Ferguson has helped with some of the placement of the plants.
The proposal also called for "rejuvenating," or trimming, the magnolia trees around the courthouse.
"The board agreed to allow for this trimming of the trees with the understanding that the trees will look better in the next several years," Abraham said.
"They have not been properly trimmed, and this will help with the overall appearance of the magnificent courthouse we have," he said.
Work has already begun on trimming the magnolia trees on the front lawn, Cooper said, and other trees are being assessed to see what needs to be done. Bob Henderson began trimming the trees Friday.
The trimming will cost about $1,000, Abraham said.
"In the long run, the trees will be more attractive," Cooper said.
"This is something we've wanted to do for a long time," she said. "We're very excited they allowed us to participate in the permanent plantings. This will provide year-round interest for the community."
Abraham said he was excited to have the Community Pride Committee, the garden clubs and especially Cooper working with the county on this effort.
"I can't say enough about how hard Debby Cooper has worked on this project," he said.
She has personally been at the courthouse each day helping put the plants in the group and overseeing the work, he said.
"We have never had this cooperation before," Abraham said.
