The Blowing Rock Garden Club sponsored the first Mile of
Flowers Business Awards for having store front displays with the Mile
of Flowers event theme. Awards were given to three stores that
encompassed the Mile of Flowers theme with meaningful layers, colors and rustic
elements. Judging was done by Blowing Rock Garden Club’s Chairperson, Anne
Tarbutton, and the treasure, Barbara Ballesty. All recipient’s received flower
wall hangings in addition to first place receiving a $100 gift card to Chetola
Resort, second place a free landscaping consultation and third place a $30 gift
card to The Mustard Seed.
1st Place was awarded to Mountain Laurel
Floristry. The displayed Mile of Flowers enthusiasm with a window display
featuring hand-crafted paper flowers promoting the Mile of Flowers event. As
well as their courtyard full of flower pots with intricate layering of
greenery. The window boxes on their store front had rustic elements to them
bringing home Blowing Rock’s mountain heritage. 
2nd Place was awarded to Monkee’s of Blowing
Rock. Anne Tarbutton and Barbara Ballesty of the Blowing Rock Garden club
appreciated Monkee’s flower pots welcoming shop-goers into their store. The
bright blue flower pots varied in height and were full of textures greenery.
Along the side of the store the garden is more natural, maintained by SouthMarke owners, Karyn and Dieter Herterich. And you can’t forget to take a
look at the monkey topiary hanging from a tree.
3rd Place was awarded to J McLaughlin for their
beautiful bourbon barrel planter. The planter displays different heights of
greenery paired with birch tree twigs for texture. The bourbon barrel is large
in size and fits perfectly in the entry way into the store. The Mile of Flower judges
found the single display to be stunning in size and height while encompassing
the perfect mountain home feel.
Honorable mentions go to three downtown business for their
mix of colors and layering in their window displays. In no particular order the
Mile of Flower judges appreciated Vincent Properties beautiful window flower
boxes, Neacos modern touch of color and heights in their planter box, and Six
Pence Pub for their window box with birch tree elements.
