The recent addition of several flowering baskets to the light poles on the Limestone County Courthouse Square in Athens have made the historic area all the more charming.

Hung in early May, the baskets were paid for by the Athens-Limestone Beautification Board, which is part of Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful.

Gayle Black, a member of the Athens-Limestone Beautification Board, worked with Ray’s Greenhouse in Toney to carefully select the appropriate flowers and greenery for each of the baskets, choosing native plants and taking into account sun exposure.

The light poles include a drip-type watering system that will keep the flowers in tip-top condition throughout the heat of the summer, according to Lynne Hart, executive coordinator for KALB.

“Adding hanging baskets to the square has been a goal of the Beautification Board for several years, and they are so pleased that with the addition of the new light poles and a drip system they were able to make it a reality,” Hart said. “Greenery and colorful flowers make any city more attractive and welcoming.”

In addition to installing and maintaining the new flower baskets on the Square, the 15-member Beautification Board has left its mark across Limestone County. The group keeps the large concrete pots on the periphery of the Square blooming and they install the memorial benches that punctuate the courthouse perimeter. They also keep up the four “Welcome to Athens” signs that stand at the north, south, east and west entrances to the city.

Hart said she is amazed by the improvements the Beautification Board has made on local cemeteries since she moved here in the late 1990s.

Cemeteries such as Roselawn, Old Town Cemetery and the plot of land where Patti J. Malone is buried have all undergone major transformations because of the Beautification Board.

Several years ago, the group set its sights on the highly visible triangle near Clinton Avenue and U.S. 72, refurbishing the green space and installing three oversized flowering pots on the small patch of land.

Keeping up with its many projects means the beautification team is always looking for volunteers.

To learn more about volunteer opportunities at KALB or the Athens-Limestone Beautification Board, call 256-233-8000 or email KALBCares@gmail.com.