.jpg)
April Yard of the Month was awarded to 1100 Bowie St. The exquisitely ornate Second Empire architecture of this Victorian period home draws you in from the street, sometimes you don’t even notice the manicured landscaping that matches the symmetrical appeal of the home.
But, the aptly named knockout roses along the front fence of brick and ornate wrought iron demand your attention. Look beyond the roses to the rounded boxwood topiaries at the corners that juxtapose the sharp corners of the home, as do the circle motif of the railings on the generous front porch and upstairs lanal. The landscape feels very cohesive yet the shady garden has many varieties of plants including euonymus, cast iron plants, Japanese holly and ponga ferns, a carob tree, and numerous pecans.
Built in 1887 by Henry Ilse, a farmer, rancher, and saloon owner and purchased and restored in 1965 by notable Columbus past citizens, Laura Ann and Buddy Rau. After 10 years in a couple other owners’ hands, the home was purchased by Tom Vining and Dent Beal who have lovingly and consistently maintained the home and yard. Definitely a home worth strolling past and stopping to smell the roses.
The Columbus Garden Club’s Yard of the Month program is a project of the National Garden Clubs and Texas Garden Club.
April Community Beautification Columbus State Bank 1102 Milam St.
The April Community Beautification Award was awarded to Columbus State Bank. When passing by the front of this historic bank, you may wonder why it is given this award. If so, explore its south side. The bank maintains a green oasis along the side and back of its building that is open to all residents and visitors. Driftwood roses beckon you to explore this little park.
Trellised vines, crape myrtles, mounds of lush liriope, massive magnolia trees, and a green hedge that encloses the secret garden from the hustle and bustle create a sanctuary perfect for a noonday break, afternoon respite, or a destination for an evening stroll. A gently winding concrete path ensures this shady refuge is accessible by all. Picnic tables and benches invite you to stay a while to soak in nature... and you should!
The bank, founded in 1919, preserved original walls and structural parts of the Boedecker building, built in 1859 by Henry Boedecker to house the first bank when the town of 750 boasted eleven stores, six hotels, and a local weekly newspaper, “The Colorado Citizen”. Today, the bank is reminiscent of the time it was built inside and out enhanced by a beautiful green shady park.
The Columbus Garden Club’s Community Beautification program is a project for the National Garden Clubs and Texas Garden Club.
The April Community Beautification Award was awarded to Columbus State Bank.
April Yard of the Month was awarded to 1100 Bowie St. Courtesy photos
