Lexington, Kentucky

By Ms Sherry

Published: August 17, 2007

This past weekend I attended a wedding in Lexington, Kentucky. As we drove north through Alabama, Tennessee, and then into Kentucky we had an opportunity to observe the scenery up close and personal. As most travelers do, we enjoyed the mountains and changing terrain. But as a gardener there are always additional features which catch my eye. Even though the south has been experiencing this summer’s drought, from the highway the foliage on the hills and mountain sides appeared to be bright green. As we traveled through Lexington we drove on a street with a wide median, not unlike Quintard Avenue in Anniston, that was lined with beautiful healthy trees and a carefully kept lawn with sign bearing the name Tree City. The homes along this thoroughfare were beautifully landscaped; the median added so much to our drive through this busy city. We went from a bustling down town city scape to horse country where we saw the “Blue Grass of Kentucky” first hand. Although it appeared quite lush, one of the locals said the grasses were in bad shape from the summer’s conditions. The farms were immaculately maintained; huge pastures were carefully mowed; miles and miles of fences had also been manicured with a weed eater.

Downtown Lexington had several wonderful water features. On Saturday morning I decided to get my morning exercise by walking around the downtown area. What a wonderful surprise to find a farmer’s market taking place on the neighboring streets. For several blocks there were beautiful displays of fresh vegetables, so artistically displayed that the scene resembled a painting.  The sidewalks were crowded with buyers visiting and talking to the sellers. Someone told me it was the second biggest market in the state. Vendors were selling everything from goat cheese to baked goods. Huge bins of fresh corn were for sale. There were tomatoes in just about every color from orange to green to pink. Street musicians were playing the guitar. I purchased a sack of fresh dug potatoes that one seller told me had been raised by an Amish family and a bag of tomatoes in a variety of hues from another farmer. One vendor had a variety of garlic for sale, with different strengths available. As in all farmer’s markets, the farmers themselves were doing the selling and were proud of their product and eager to discuss their crops. This is a fine way to learn more about the community one is visiting.

As communities try to market themselves as places to live and work, the influence planned and maintained landscapes can have on visitors can not be underestimated. Beautiful green spaces add much to the quality of life for the residents and visitors to every town. A farmer’s market such as Lexington’s also has immense value for even those who do not make this community their home.