Ironton In Bloom yard judges had a big job this September, having been given 16 yard nominations for the month.

They report real difficulty in narrowing their choices to two winners.

John and Jan Wolfe, 1220 Shawnee Trail, left, say their yard is a joint venture.

Jan does the planting and maintenance, while Jon does much of the watering. Jan is quick to share credit with Webers’ Florists who helps her choose the right plant for the right spot, and a friend, Frances Sherman, who keeps the yard mowed.

An outstanding feature of their landscaping is their large extravagant window boxes which have been filled to overflowing with blooms and draping vines all summer long.

Carol and Mike Hacker, live at 310 Means St. One of several yards nominated from the north side of town, the Hackers built their house on an acre of ground that had been a fertile garden spot, so they had no trouble starting the perennials that surround their residence.

Mike does most of the yard work and says he has just pulled up most of the colorful annuals such as wave petunias and replaced them with lots of pumpkins and bright chrysanthemums to supply color and interest for the fall.

IIB residential chairman, Judy Sanders, says she regrets that September ends their judging season, since several nominations were received after the deadline and were not received in time to be included on the judges’ list.

She encourages those who nominated too late to be prepared to nominate again next April when the judging season will start again.