In each of the past two months, the City of Demopolis has bestowed Bloom beautification awards to local business and residents.

Winners for the month of May include John Deere for Best Blooming Business on Highway 80; First Methodist Church for Best Blooming Church; Mustard Seed for Best Blooming Business downtown; Eastern Star for Best Blooming Church not and Renea Cruze, who lives on East Jackson St., for Best Blooming Home.

The awards, dolled out by City Horticulturist Barbara Blevins and her department, are an effort to reward residents and business owners who put forth the extra time in developing and maintaining landscaped and manicured curb appeal.

Last fall, Demopolis received a Three Bloom Rating from America In Bloom, an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting nationwide beautification programs and personal and community involvement through the use of flowers, plants, trees and other environmental and lifestyle enhancements.

Judges returned to Demopolis last month for another inspection.

The contest will run thru Sept. 28.