Garland County Master Gardeners chose Smith Family Funeral Home as their August Business Yard of the Month.
"When entering the business you see two borders framing the building filled with a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes that immediately catch your eye. As you get closer, you notice loose groupings of annuals, perennials, and shrubs in a symmetrical arrangement. There is nothing as striking as a bunch of multicolored vincas and angelonia in full bloom and the colors pop. Along the walkway are well groomed azaleas, red roses, variegated lily turf, dwarf yaupon and cedars, to name a few. There are two beautiful containers of Emerald arborvitae cedars, white queen caladiums, sweet potato vine that create a stunning focal point to the entryway of the building," a news release said.
"The signage area is beautiful, clean, and well organized with a host of plants that brighten the property and add instant appeal. The Japanese maple, crimson Pygmy barberry, and white bloom gardenia provide the perfect welcome to greet the guests. The variegated Liriope ground cover adds bright yellow stripes to the landscape and the day lilies are colorful and elegant. The lemon lime nandina also attracts attention and they keep its color all year long. The ground cover consists of decorative stones for depth and a more modern look. On the outskirts of the property, you see mature crepe myrtles with spreading branches of showy summer flowers that provide dappled shade, and a frame for the business. They are definitely among the most satisfactory of plants for the South, with the feeling of casual elegance," it said.