Kenton Couple Receives Beautification Award for Stunning Backyard Garden

When visitors step into the backyard of Brian and Kathy Born, they are immediately welcomed into a peaceful, colorful retreat. Every corner of the garden bursts with vibrant blooms and unique plants, creating a relaxing oasis filled with a remarkable variety of colors, textures, and fragrances.

The Borns have lived in their home for more than 40 years and have spent decades transforming their backyard into a gardener’s paradise. Over the years, they have created new flower beds and introduced many unusual plants that are not commonly found in Hardin County.

One of the most intriguing plants in their collection is the voodoo lily. Its distinctive, branch-like stem pattern makes it a fascinating addition to the garden. When it blooms, however, it produces a very unpleasant odor. The plant also produces new bulbs each year, which the Borns transplant to other areas of the yard.

Another unique specimen is the popcorn bush. This plant features beautiful yellow flowers and green leaves that release a scent remarkably similar to freshly popped popcorn when touched. Despite its appealing fragrance, the popcorn bush is poisonous, so visitors, especially children, must be careful around it.

Garden guests will also find what may be the largest bubblegum petunias in the county. These stunning flowers appear throughout the yard and in impressive three-tiered hanging baskets suspended from the upper deck, creating a dramatic display of color.

Keeping such an extensive garden thriving during the summer heat is no small task. Watering is a daily responsibility. Brian waters the plants three times each day, while Kathy spends about an hour and a half weeding and tending the flower beds. They also make use of four large rain barrels that collect water for the garden. Kathy adds a small amount of fertilizer to each barrel to help keep the plants healthy and vibrant.

The result of all this dedication is a breathtaking display of color and beauty. From their back porch or upper deck, the Borns can sit back and enjoy the view of the garden they have carefully cultivated over the years. After decades of planting, nurturing, watering, and weeding, they have created a beautiful kaleidoscope of color and flowers that brings them peace, joy, and a deep sense of pride. Their backyard is more than just a garden. It is a labor of love that reflects the care, commitment, and passion they have poured into it for more than four decades.