The Leesville Mayor’s Women’s Commission recently presented their June 2024 Civic Awards for Beautification to two Leesville citizens.

The commercial winner was Montigo Inn located at 1808 South 5th St. which is owned by Neeta and Paresh Patel, both originally from India.

The first thing to attract our attention were the gorgeous red roses that create a splash of color near the sign in front, but their beautification efforts don’t stop there. Beautiful potted plants are featured throughout the property. Among them were several Tulsi plants, also known as Indian Holy Basil. And despite its small size, an Indian curry leaf plant enticed us with its very pleasant scent. Both can be used in cooking and for medicinal purposes. Pictured on the left above are (L to R): Neeta Patel, Glenda Jarrell (MWC) and Paresh Patel.

The residential award was presented to Judy Archie who lives at 2118 Jean Street.

The front of the home is shady and pleasant with lots of neatly trimmed shrubs, roses and more. A multitude of begonias fill the flowerpots standing in beds throughout the yard. When asked to identify some of the plantings, Mrs. Archie said, “I just call them pretty.” Her grandchildren help out sometimes by mowing for her, but she does most of the actual gardening herself.

Pictured on the right above are (L to R): Rachel Archie, Glenda Jarrell (MWC), Judy Archie, Diamond Hewitt, and Elijah Archie.