At Home Archives - Augusta Magazine https://augustamagazine.com/category/more/at-home/ The Magazine of Metropolitan Augusta Wed, 28 Apr 2021 21:12:51 +0000 en-US hourly 1 2021 Best of Home https://augustamagazine.com/2021/04/28/2021-best-of-home/ https://augustamagazine.com/2021/04/28/2021-best-of-home/#respond Wed, 28 Apr 2021 20:17:50 +0000 https://augustamagazine.com/?p=9111 The post 2021 Best of Home appeared first on Augusta Magazine.

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From building and renovation to landscaping and design, we bring you our ninth annual list of resources you’ll need to make your home your castle as voted by the readers of Augusta Magazine.

 


 

Best Appliance Store

First Place

Kelley Appliance Center

191 Baston Rd., Martinez

(706) 863-7098
1551 Whiskey Road, Aiken
(803) 226-0091
www.kelleyappliance.com

For more than 50 years, Augusta area residents have turned to the fine folks at Kelley Appliance Center for home appliances. Known for customer satisfaction, and now with two locations to serve, it’s easy to see why Kelley tops Augustans’ list year after year.

Second Place

Ferguson

3610 Wrightsboro Rd., Augusta

(706) 860-7677

www.fergusonshowrooms.com

With a wide variety of products from which to choose, the friendly staff at Ferguson is ready to assist you in selecting the perfect appliance for your home.

Third Place

Davis Appliance & Furniture

3285 Deans Bridge Rd., Augusta

(706) 796-0500

www.davisapplianceaugusta.com

Locally owned and operated in Augusta since 1972, the staff at Davis Appliance & Furniture have years of expertise in helping you find the right appliance for your home.

 


 

Best Bath Supply Showroom

First Place

W.A. Bragg & Co.

420 Columbia Industrial Blvd., Evans

(706) 860-9790

#4 Caldwell Ct., Aiken

(803) 642-6000

2513 Mike Padgett Hwy., Augusta

(706) 798-8257

www.wabragg.com

The W.A. Bragg showroom enables you to see not just what you can do, but also what is possible. Choose from a wide array of leading brands to update an outdated bath or design a dream retreat.


Second Place

Ferguson

3610 Wrightsboro Rd., Augusta

(706) 860-7677

www.fergusonshowrooms.com

At Ferguson’s you can buy the basics in trendy or traditional styles. Then add the elements of luxury to suit your tastes and your space.

Third Place

Landrum Supply Co.

1440 Reynolds St., Augusta

(706) 722-2042

www.landrumsupply.com

Landrum’s professional design associates take the headache out of designing new or remodeling existing bathrooms. By coordinating the supplier, contractor and plumber, they guide customers from idea to finished project.

 


 

Best blind/shutter company

First Place

Summerville Shutter Company

3064 Damascus Rd., Augusta
(706) 722-9949

www.summervilleshutter.com

In need of  custom window treatments? Give       Summerville Shutter Company a call. Offering a full line of window coverings, Summerville Shutter build their shutters right here in Augusta to suit any budget.

Second Place

Plantation Shutters Augusta PLUS
120 N. Belair Rd., Evans
(706) 738-4196
www.plantationshuttersplus.com
Since 1986, the staff at Plantation Shutters Augusta PLUS have been building custom window treatments for Augusta area residents.

Third Place

Maner Builders Supply
3787 Martinez Blvd.

(706) 863-6191

www.maner.com

Maner serves most of Georgia and South Carolina with the most experienced personnel in the business. Looking for superb quality shutters or blinds at a great price, give the folks at Maner a call.

 


 

Best Cabinetmaker

First Place

Crawford Cabinets
3831 Oak Dr., Martinez
(706) 868-6329
www.crawfordcabinets.com

Since 1984, Augusta area residents have been  calling on the experts at Crawford Cabinets to offer affordable and functional cabinet designs. Craftmanship without compare goes into the construction of every project.

Second Place

Looper Cabinet Company Inc.

418 Columbia Industrial Blvd., Evans
(706) 863-1505

www.loopercabinet.com

Looper Cabinet Company has been crafting custom cabinetry for Augusta area homes for more than 60 years. Using only solid hardwood, the craftsman at Looper can turn your cabinet dreams into reality.

Third Place

Martinez Cabinets & Millworks
2111 Highland Ave., Augusta
(706) 736-2814
With a reputation of high quality at reasonable prices, it’s easy to see why local residents voted Martinez Cabinets & Millworks as one of the area’s best.

 


 

Best Carpet/Rug Company

First Place

Merit Flooring, Kitchen and Bath

1530 Whiskey Rd., Aiken

(803) 649-0961

3114 Wrightsboro Rd., Augusta

(706) 736-1491

398 Towne Park Blvd., Evans

(706) 863-5839

www.meritfloor.com

Generations of Augustans continue to rely on Merit Flooring, formerly known as The Carpet Shop, for all their flooring needs. Merit’s reputation rests on their knowledgeable staff and large selection of quality products.

Second Place

Hardwood Floors & More

4696 Washington Rd., Evans

(706) 868-7030

www.hardwoodfloorsandmoreinc.com

For 30 years, this family-owned and operated company has been providing quality flooring at an affordable price to area residents. Looking to replace your carpet or rugs, call Hardwood Floors and More.

Third Place

Kirkland’s Flooring

657 N. Belair Rd., Evans

(706) 650-1905

www.kirklandsflooring.com

Kirkland’s is one of the most competitively priced flooring companies in the country, not just the Augusta area. Installation crews leave customers with beautiful carpets and a sense of a job well done.

 


 

Best Carpet Cleaning Service

First Place

Stanley Steemer

2013 Frankie Ct., Augusta

(706) 860-3774

www.stanleysteemer.com

Since 1947, Stanley Steemer has set the standard in the carpet cleaning industry and is a continual favorite of local residents.

Second Place

Knight Carpet &

Upholstery Cleaners

5162 Fairington Dr., Evans

(706) 860-5529

www.carpetcleaningaugusta.com

Founded in 1984 by James Takacs, Knight Carpet & Upholstery Cleaners promises customers a 10-step carpet cleaning service that begins with a visual inspection of your carpets and ends with a post-cleaning inspection and, of course, a smile.

Third Place

DuraClean
847A Edgefield Rd., North Augusta

(803) 221-0491

www.duracleancsra.com

The mission of Magic Carpet Cleaning is simple – provide quality service and customer satisfaction. Ken Courson has been serving Augusta area customers since 2002.

 


 

Best Countertop Company

First Place

Countersync

2014 Westside Ct.

Masters Industrial Park, Augusta

(706) 847-4890

www.countersync.net

Bill Phillips and his team at Countersync fabricates solid-surface counters for kitchen and bath, but believe it when they say that the uses for solid-surface counters are limited only by your imagination. The nonporous, impact-resistant surface resists bacteria, mildew, mold and stains.

Second Place

Stoneworks of Augusta

3843 Wrightsboro Rd., Augusta

(706) 798-3005

www.stoneworksofaugusta.com

Stoneworks of Augusta is your source for the beauty of natural granite. Schedule a showroom consult to select the stone to suit your style.

Third Place

Augusta Granite
202 John Deere Parkway, Grovetown

(706) 513-2505

www.augustagranite.com

Quality craftmanship with exceptional customer service is what you’ll get with Augusta Granite.

 


 

Best KITCHEN Supply/Showroom

First Place

Ferguson

3610 Wrightsboro Rd., Augusta

(706) 860-7677

www.ferguson.com/branch/augusta-ga-showroom

The kitchen is often the heart of the home. It’s not a surprise area residents turn to Ferguson to design their dream kitchen or update their existing one.

Second Place

W.A. Bragg & Co.

420 Columbia Industrial Blvd., Evans

(706) 860-9790

#4 Caldwell Ct., Aiken

(803) 642-6000

2513 Mike Padgett Hwy., Augusta

(706) 798-8257

www.wabragg.com

With three locations, W.A. Bragg’s showrooms enable customers to not only visualize their dreams. Offering a wide selection of leading brands to update an outdated kitchen or design your dream one.

Third Place

Landrum Supply Co.

1440 Reynolds St., Augusta

(706) 722-2042

www.landrumsupply.com

Landrum’s consistently ranks among the favorites of locals in this category. Let their professional design team take the headache out of any kitchen project, whether it’s a renovation or new build.

 


 

Best Decorator Fabric Store

First Place

Curtain Call

240 Davis Rd., Augusta

(706) 868-5757

www.curtaincallfabrics.com

Augustans name Curtain Call one of their favorite fabric stores year after year. With a new location and larger selection, it’s easy to see why.

Second Place

Decorator’s Outlet & Interiors

3855 Washington Rd., Augusta

(706) 855-5070

www.decoratorsoutlet.com

Decorator’s Outlet & Interiors has been catering to the decorating needs of Augusta area residents since 1988. Stop by their Washington Road showroom to see their vast collection of designer fabrics, ready-made and custom window treatments and more.

Third Place

Joann’s

3435 Wrightsboro Rd., Augusta

(706) 733-7102

www.joann.com

The friendly staff at Joann’s is always ready to  assist you with your fabric needs. Whatever your need, the Joann’s staff has the knowledge to help make your home beautiful!

 


 

Best Garage Door Company

First Place

Overhead Door Company of Augusta

1529 Crescent Dr., Augusta

(706) 736-8478

www.ohdaugusta.com

When shopping for a garage door, the choice is clear – Overhead Door Company of Augusta.The company prides itself on installing dependable garage doors. They’ll walk you through the process of choosing a garage door that matches your needs and complements your home’s exterior.

Second Place

Southern Residential Installations

704 McKnight Industrial Blvd.

(706) 868-8118

www.southernresidentialinstallations.com

Family-owned and operated since 1988, the company is committed to the satisfaction and comfort of all customers, from the initial consultation to installation and ongoing warranty.

Third Place

Evans Garage Doors

(706) 855-0077
www.evansgaragedoors.net

Small and locally owned, Evans Garage Doors has been servicing the Augusta area for more than 30 years, offering quick and professional service at an affordable price.

 


 

Best Fence company

First Place

East Georgia Fence and Construction

1158 Hunters Cove, Evans

(706) 220-0854

www.eastgeorgiafence.com

When it comes to fencing, area residents turn to East Georgia Fence to install every type of fence available on the market. If you want to finish that new fence off with the security and convenience of an automatic gate operator, they can help with that too! 

Second Place

Maner Builders Supply Co.

3717 Washington Rd.

(706) 863-6191

www.maner.com

Maner serves most of Georgia and South Carolina with the most experienced personnel in the business. Whether you want an ornamental fence to set off the architecture of your home or a fence for a sense of security, Maner will install it at a competitive price.

Third Place

N&P Fence Co.

(706) 955-5586

N&P Fence promises a reliable and professional complete service guarantee with any job!

 


 

Best Heating and Air Company

First Place

Westside Heating & Air
4282 Triangle Industrial Dr., Evans
(706) 863-6122
www.westsideheatair.com

Homeowners have consistently ranked Westside Heating and Air as one of the top HVAC companies in the area for quality and service.  Servicing most major brands, Westside can take care of all your HVAC needs.

Second Place

Busby’s Heating & Air Conditioning
1236 Gordon Park Rd., Augusta

(706) 722-8855
www.busbys.com

What began as a small, rural company in 1945 takes top honors when it comes to heating & air conditioning companies in the area. With a catchy jingle – ‘Give Busby’s a buzz and we’ll be there,’ it’s easy to see why residents turn to Busby’s for their HVAC needs. 

Third Place

Cool Ray Mechanical
870 Belvedere Clearwater Rd., North Augusta

(803) 613-1080
www.coolraymechnical.com

Trusted, professional service is what you’ll get with Cool Ray Mechnical. For all your HVAC needs, give the folks at Cool Ray a call.

 


 

Best Hardwood Flooring company

First Place

Hardwood Floors & More

4696 Washington Rd., Evans

(706) 868-7030

www.hardwoodfloorsandmoreinc.com

With a name like Hardwood Floors & More, how could they not be the experts in the Augusta area? Their staff is ready to help you chose the best hardwood floors for your lifestyle, but to also ensure you get years of satisfaction out of it.


Second Place

Southern Wood Floors

472 Flowing Wells Rd., Suite D, Augusta

(706) 855-0779

www.woodfloorsaugusta.com

Offering an extensive selection of solid wood flooring and engineered wood flooring.

Third Place

Kirkland’s Flooring

657 N. Belair Rd., Evans

(706) 650-1905

www.kirklandsflooring.com

Offering a great selection on hardwoods – everything from Acacia, Burch, pine, oak and more Kirkland’s is competitively priced and ready to install your dream floors.

 


 

Best Landscaping Company

First Place

Coxwell Landscaping & Tree Farm

925 Old Louisville Rd., Harlem

(706) 863-9708

If you’re looking to brighten and fill your yard with beautiful greenery, Coxwell Landscaping & Tree Farm is the place to go. Noticing puddles in your yard during the rainy season? Coxwell Landscaping & Tree Farm also specializes in drainwork.

Second Place

Southern Landscaping Garden & Gifts
4759 Washington Rd. #5856, Evans

(706) 855-5035
www.southernlandscaping.net

A family-owned, full-service landscape company, Southern Landscaping Garden & Gifts has been serving the Augusta area since 1986.

Third Place

Pebble Creek Landscaping
2248 William Few Pkwy., Evans

(706) 869-2957

Looking for a full service landscaping company in Columbia County? Give the folks at Pebble Creek Landscaping a call. 

 


 

Best Lighting Showroom

First Place

Southern Lighting Gallery

215 Bobby Jones Exp., Martinez

(706) 868-5014

www.slgonline.com

The right lighting sets the mood. Visit Southern Lighting Gallery to shop the largest selection of lighting products in the CSRA and to experiment with fixtures in natural room settings in the gallery’s lighting lab.

Second Place

Hardwood Floors & More

4696 Washington Rd., Evans

(706) 868-7030

www.hardwoodfloorsandmoreinc.com

The “more” in Hardwood Floors & More means more to love, and their selection of lighting options proves it.

Third Place

Ferguson

3610 Wrightsboro Rd., Augusta

(706) 860-7677

www.fergusonshowrooms.com

The kitchen is often the heart of the home. It’s not a surprise area residents turn to Ferguson to design their dream kitchen or update their existing one.

 


 

Best Lumber Company

First Place

Maner Builders Supply Co.

3787 Martinez Blvd., Martinez

(706) 863-6191

www.maner.com

More than just a lumber yard, Maner
Builders Supply carries everything homebuilders need to get the job done, from framing to finishing a house. Maner’s
carries 13,000 stocked items ready
for delivery in their 35 specialized
trucks.

Second Place

Howard Lumber

475 Columbia Industrial Blvd., Evans

(706) 868-8400

www.howardlumbercompany.com

Howard Lumber carries materials
that meet the rigorous standards
of the building industry. They strive
to be the place of choice for area
architects, builders and
homeowners.

Third Place

Mulherin Lumber Co.

705 Industrial Park Dr., Evans

(706) 863-6070

www.mulherinlumber.com

The Mulherin family has dealt in the lumber industry since the 1800s. Today the lumber sheds are stacked high with premium products, perfect for building your dream home.

 


 

Best Mortgage Lending Institution

First Place

Augusta Mortgage Company
243 Davis Rd., Augusta
(706) 860-4200

www.augustamortgage.com

With the interest rates low, now is the time to buy a home and the folks at Augusta Mortgage are ready to assist you. With more than 40 years of experience in the mortgage industry, it’s easy to see why people choose Augusta Mortgage.

Second Place

Queensborough National Bank & Trust Company

4226 Columbia Rd., Martinez

(706) 863-2000

www.qnbtrust.bank

With more than 100 years of local expertise, it’s not surprising that area residents turn to Queensborough for their mortgage needs.

Third Place

SRP Federal Credit Union
1231 Augusta West Pkwy., Augusta
(803) 278-4851

www.srpfcu.org

Great rates with personal service is what you’ll get when working with SRP Federal Credit Union.

 


 

Best Home Builder

First Place

Ivey Homes

672 Industrial Park Dr., Ste. 200, Evans

(706) 868-9363

www.iveyhomes.com

Once again, Ivey Homes takes top honors among area homebuilders. Progressive building techniques result in homes on the cutting edge of efficiency, convenience and affordability.

Second Place

First Choice Home Builders

multiple locations
(706) 210-0568
www.firstchoicehomebuilders.com

Committed to building homes around your lifestyle is the mission at First Choice Homebuilders. Whether you choose one of their plans or work to design your own, the experts at First Choice will be with you every step of the way.

Third Place

Prescott & Sons Construction
121 E. Marion Ave., North Augusta

(803) 819-4142
www.prescottandsons.com

Locally owned and operated, the folks at Prescott & Sons Construction are ready to assist you in building your dream home.

 


 

Best Paint STORE

First Place

Gerald Robinson’s Paint and
Decorating Center

3850 Washington Rd., #5A, Augusta

(706) 863-4593

www.geraldrobinsonspaint.com

Gerald Robinson’s Paint and Decorating Center remains one of the best in this category. Home improvement projects begin with Benjamin Moore paints and a Gerald Robinson’s associate.

Second Place

Sherwin Williams

3238 Wrightsboro Rd., Augusta

(706) 733-9405

201 Casa Linda Dr., Martinez

(706) 863-3523

2709 Peach Orchard Rd., Augusta

(706) 796-3865

www.sherwin-williams.com

Sherwin Williams has all of the supplies you need to do-it-yourself plus experts who can guide you every step of the way. Quality brands ensure a beautiful finish.

 


 

Best Pool company

First Place

Pete Alewine Pool and Spa

4470 Washington Rd., Evans

(706) 863-1207

www.petealewinepools.com

Pete Alewine and his crew turn

humdrum backyards into staycation destinations. Serving up both standard options and custom designs, Pete Alewine applies his 35 years plus experience to provide high-quality installation using in-house specialized crews, never subbing out the work.

Second Place

Hefner Pools
3851 Evans to Locks Rd., #103

(706) 855-9900

www.hefnerpools.com

Family-owned and operated, Hefner Pools specializes in the design and construction of pools and spas, while maintaining the highest quality of products and customer service.


Third Place

Big Wave Pool & Patio

752 Horizon South Pkwy., Grovetown

(706) 832-2013

www.bigwavepoolandpatio.com

With more than 20 years of experience, this employee-owned and operated company aims to provide high-quality residential and commercial swimming pool service to area clients.

 


 

Best security system company

First Place

Cruise Security Systems

3540 Wheeler Rd., Suite 212, Augusta

(706) 736-2500

www.cruisesecuritysystemsinc.com

Your security is their top priority at Cruise Security Systems.  Family-owned, Cruise offers the most up-to-date products, conducts security evaluations and provides system estimates free of charge. It’s easy to see why they hold the top spot!

Second Place

ADT

3815 Martinez Blvd., Suite K, Martinez

(706) 993-2025

www.adt.com

A national company, ADT, known for their innovative technology, will allow you to protect your home and loved ones from your phone.

Third Place

Georgia Carolina Security

930 Stevens Creek Rd., Augusta

(706) 726-6896

www.georgiacarolinasecurity.com

Family owned, Georgia Carolina Security is ready to assist your family with all your home security needs.

 


 

Best Tile Company

First Place

Traditions in Tile

1712 North Leg Ct., Augusta

(706) 738-3960

www.traditionsintile.com

Traditions in Tile is a Best of Home tradition year after year. Walk-ins are always welcome, but an appointment assures plenty of one-on-one time with a design expert to help hammer out the details of your project. And with tile and stone from around the world, the possibilities are limitless.

Second Place

The Tile Center

2582 Whiskey Rd., Aiken

(803) 649-5411

1331 Reynolds St., Augusta

(706) 722-6804

3905 Washington Rd., Martinez

(706) 863-5818

www.tilecenter.com

Opened in 1961, the Tile Center has brought exquisite tile and stone, plus innovations in materials, to Augusta for more than 50 years. Visit the showroom to see the many uses of stone and tile in and around the home. 

Third Place

Hardwood Floors & More

4696 Washington Rd., Evans

(706) 868-7030

www.hardwoodfloorsandmoreinc.com

With a name like Hardwood Floors & More, how could they not be the experts in the Augusta area? Their staff is ready to help you chose the best hardwood floors for your lifestyle, but to also ensure you get years of satisfaction out of it.

 


 

Best Home Furnishings Consignment

First Place

The Savvy Shopper

3120 Washington Rd., Augusta

(706) 814-7008

821 E Pine Log Rd., Aiken
(803) 226-0706

3084 Whiskey Rd., Aiken
(803) 226-0706

Now with three locations, The Savvy Shopper remains a favorite of many homeowners when looking for that unique piece. Their large selection of new and used furniture in a variety of styles makes them a great place to find something to fit your taste.


Second Place

Consign Design

318 Baston Rd., Ste. 102, Martinez

(706) 945-0176

Known as Augusta’s original upscale home
décor consignment shop, Consign Design is voted the top spot for area residents when
looking for consignment home furnishings. Visit their  shop, or Facebook page, to
peruse the selection of new-to-you home décor.

Third Place

Romantic Farmhouse
218 Bobby Jones Expressway, Martinez

(706) 426-7061
www.romanticfarmhouseantiques.com

With a variety of unique vintage and
rustic furnature and goods it’s easy to
see why Romantic Farmhouse secured
third place. 

 


 

Best Outdoor Furniture

First Place

Casual Furniture of Augusta

3725 Washington Rd., Augusta

(706) 504-4547

www.casualfurnitureaugusta.com

Owner Donna Gibbs has brought quality casual furniture to the Augusta area for more than 25 years and has been voted Best of Home by our readers since 2012. The Casual Furniture showroom on Washington Road displays traditional and trendy styles to cozy up any outdoor space.

Second Place

Weinberger’s Furniture

& Mattress Showcase
3021 Riverwatch Pkwy., Augusta

(706) 860-9494

www.weinbergersfurniture.com

Family owned and operated for 86 years, Weinberger’s focuses on delivering quality furniture, design expertise and excellent customer service.


Third Place

The Wicker Barn

3910 Washington Rd., Augusta

(706) 364-3570

www.wickerbarn.com

Outdoor furniture should have a great look and require low maintenance. Wicker-resin pieces from the Wicker Barn are made of sturdy construction from easy-to-care-for material and they perform fantastically season after season.

 


 

Best plumber

First Place

Hardy Plumbing Co., Inc.

4192 Belair Frontage Rd, Augusta

(706) 863-2110

www.hardyplumbingcompany.com

Augustans turn to the experts at Hardy Plumbing for all their plumbing needs. With  more than 20 years of reliable, courteous and prompt service, the folks at Hardy are ready to help day or night.

Second Place

FlowPro Plumbing

4214 Wheeler Rd., Martinez

(706) 799-1362

www.flowproplumbers.net

Specializing in residential amd commercial, remodel and repair services, FlowPro Plumbing concentrates on providing the highest industry standard professional and quality service.

Third Place

Ricky Jay Plumbing

140 Davis Rd., Suite B, Martinez

(706) 399-5361

www.rickyjayplumbing.com

Ricky Jay handles residential and commercial work with no trip charge and rates based solely on time and materials used.

 


 

Best electrician

First Place

BZ Electric

4354 Riverwatch Pkwy, Evans

(706) 228-4488

This full-service electrical contractor has built its business on providing uncompromising quality and exceptional customer service at a competitive price.

Second Place

Rob Zapata’s Electric

639 S Old Belair Rd, Grovetown

(706) 868-8103

www.robzapataselectric.com

Founded in 1989, this contractor is headed by an Augusta native with more than 30 years’ experience as an electrician and licenses in both Georgia and South Carolina.

Third Place

Ferrell Electric

413 Vaughn Rd., Martinez

(706) 863-5129

Lite Electric rounds out the top three for electricians in the area, skilled in all types of electrical work since 1985.

 


 

Best Insurance Company

First Place

Blanchard & Calhoun

245 Davis Rd., Augusta

(706) 650-6000
www.blanchardandcalhoun.com

Founded in 1919, Blanchard & Calhoun Insurance Agency continues to operate under the same local family ownership as an Independent Insurance Agency and a Trusted Choice agency that services their clients first.


Second Place

State Farm
multiple agents/locations

www.statefarm.com
A trusted neighbor since 1922, State Farm is here to help life go right. With a wide variety of policies, local agents are ready to help with all your insurance needs.

Third Place

ACHS
multiple agents/locations
www.achsinsurance.com

Allstate ranks third for best insurance company by Augusta area residents. Regardless of the type of insurance you need, Allstate has you covered.

 


 

Best Real Estate Company

First Place

Meybohm Real Estate

3519 Wheeler Rd., Augusta

(706) 736-3375

www.meybohm.com

For years, Augusta area residents have been relying on realtors with Meybohm to help buy, sell or rent their homes. Covering more than 13 counties in Georgia and South Carolina, let the staff at Meybohm assist you in find your next home.

Second Place

Blanchard & Calhoun Real Estate Co.

699 Broad Street #400, Augusta

(706) 722-7331
www.blanchardandcalhoun.com

For more than 100 years, this third-generation company has a proven record of success. When you need a reliable real estate company, Blanchard and Calhoun is ready to help.

Third Place

VanderMorgan

3401 Washington Rd., Martinez

(706) 860-0057

www.livesoutheastern.com

Finding your dream home is a collaborative process at Southeastern. Give the experts at all your real estate needs.

 


 

Best Pest Control company

First Place

Horne’s Pest Control Company

4232 Wheeler Rd., Martinez

(706) 863-5354
www.hornespestcontrol.com

Built on a firm foundation of service, Horne’s has been keeping area homes bug free since 1966. The staff at Horne’s is ready to assist you in keeping your home, inside and out, free of pests.


Second Place

Advanced Services Pest Control

1536 Crescent Dr., Augusta

(706) 860-0116
www.bugstopper.com

Offering legendary service in pest control, it’s no wonder residents rely on the folks at Advanced Services to keep their homes free of unwanted pests.

Third Place

Borden Pest Control

4486 Columbia Rd., Martinez

(706) 868-1070
www.bordenpestcontrol.com

Since 1960 the Borden name has been synonymous with pest control. Borden specializes in nuisance pets is an industry leader in the fight against bugs.

 


 

Best remodeling company

First Place

Prescott & Sons Construction

121 E. Marion Ave., North Augusta

(803) 819-4142
www.prescottandsons.com

Need a help with a remodel? Locally owned and operated, the folks at Prescott & Sons Construction is ready to assist you.


Second Place

Keith Howard Construction

(706) 863-3070
Specializing in home renovation and expansions, Keith Howard is an excellent choice for any size remodel.

Third Place

Holmes Construction & Renovation

(706) 284-8022

Rounding out the top three in the remodeling category is Holmes Construction and Renovation. With more than 20 years experience in the Augusta market, Holmes is a reliable option for your next project.

 


 

Best Roofing company

First Place

Southpaw Roofing

1211 Summerhill Rd., North Augusta

(706) 860-6650
www.southpawroofing.com

Established in 1985 under the name Lee Remodeling, Southpaw Roofing has provided quality service and family values for more than 35 years.


Second Place

Lovelace Roofing

3850 Washington Rd., Ste. 4F, Martinez

(706) 863-5399
www.lovelaceroofing.com

Since 1986, Lovelace Roofing has been providing residential and commercial property owners with all their exterior needs. Providing quality products and service is their top priority!

Third Place

Penn Roofing
4103 Colben Blvd STE 1, Evans

(706) 421-0226

www.pennroof.com
From repairs to preventative maintenance, Penn Roofing is ready to assist with all your roofing needs..

 


 

Best Custom art framing company

First Place

Hang Ups
1377 Jones St., Augusta

(706) 733-7952

https://www.facebook.com/hangupsgallery
Established in 1980, Hang-Ups is a female owned business that guarantees competitive pricing for all your framing needs.


Second Place

The Frame Shoppe
1542 Walton Way, Augusta

(706) 738-5529

www.theframeshoppeaugusta.com
In business since 1972, The Frame Shoppe has the largest and most unique local selection of frame moldings. The Frame Shoppe is ready to meet all your framing needs.


Third Place

The Beveled Edge
528 Georgia Ave., North Augusta

(803) 441-0144

www.thebevelededgeonline.com

Offering quality framing at unbeatable prices, the experienced staff at Frame It Now is ready to help you select the right mats to match your custom frame.

 


 

Best senior living community

First Place

Brandon Wilde
4275 Owens Rd., Evans

(706) 868-9800

www.brandonwilde.com
Take a visit to Brandon Wilde and you’ll quickly see why it ranks number one in the Senior Living Community category.

Second Place

Thrive at Augusta

313 Furys Ferry Rd., Martinez

(706) 955-2275
www.thrivesl.com

Taking senior living to the next level, Thrive at Augusta is not your traditional community. Situated on 17 acres, residents have room to move and build new relationships all while receiving the best care.


Third Place

Morningside of Evans
353 N. Belair Rd., Evans

(706) 228-4709
www.fivestarseniorliving.com

Tied for third place with Benton House, Morningside of Evans is an elegantly furnished senior living community that focuses on delivering 24-hour personalized service to each resident.

 


 

Best furniture store

First Place

Weinberger’s Furniture & Mattress
Showcase
3021 Riverwatch Pkwy., Augusta

(706) 860-9494

www.weinbergersfurniture.com

Family-owned and operated for 87 years, Weinberger’s focuses on delivering quality furniture, design expertise and excellent customer service. It’s easy to see why area residents shop Weinberger’s first when looking for new furniture.


Second Place

Merry’s Home Furnishings

1236 Broad St., Augusta

(706) 722-3244
www.merryshomefurnishings.com

Formerly knowns as Merry’s Trash & Treasures, the store recently rebranded as Merry’s Home Furnishings to reflect the ever-changing home decorating trends. Whatever your furniture needs are, the Merry brothers are ready to help!

Third Place

Haverty’s
3411 Wrightsboro Rd, Augusta

(706) 738-8217

www.havertys.com

With different styles to suit any taste, the high quality pieces and furnature sets at Haverty’s will make any house feel like
a home.

 


 

Best home accessory company

First Place

Mish Mash Interiors & Gifts
536 Grand Slam Dr., Evans

(536) 814-7380
Taking the top spot in this category is Mish Mash Interiors & Gifts. When shopping for home accessories, area residents look to Mish Mash for unique pieces that will tie together any space.


Second Place

HomeGoods
2907 Washington Rd., Augusta

(706) 667-7254

www.homegoods.com

If you’re looking to add a bit more personalized stlye into your home, HomeGoods has lovely accent pieces and accessories for any room in the house!

Third Place

Southern Landscaping Garden & Gifts
4759 Washington Rd. #5856, Evans

(706) 855-5035
Rounding out the category is Southern Landscaping & Gifts. If you’re looking for that perfect home accessory or housewarming gift, the folks at Southern Landscaping Garden & Gifts can help!

Article appears in the May 2021 issue of Augusta Magazine.

Have feedback or a story idea? Our publisher would love to hear from you!

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From building and renovation to landscaping and design, we bring you our ninth annual list of resources you’ll need to make your home your castle as voted by the readers of Augusta Magazine.

 
 

Best Appliance Store

First Place

Kelley Appliance Center

191 Baston Rd., Martinez

(706) 863-7098 1551 Whiskey Road, Aiken (803) 226-0091 www.kelleyappliance.com

For more than 50 years, Augusta area residents have turned to the fine folks at Kelley Appliance Center for home appliances. Known for customer satisfaction, and now with two locations to serve, it’s easy to see why Kelley tops Augustans’ list year after year.

Second Place

Ferguson

3610 Wrightsboro Rd., Augusta

(706) 860-7677

www.ferguson.com

With a wide variety of products from which to choose, the friendly staff at Ferguson is ready to assist you in selecting the perfect appliance for your home.

Third Place

Davis Appliance & Furniture

3285 Deans Bridge Rd., Augusta

(706) 796-0500

www.davisapplianceaugusta.com

Locally owned and operated in Augusta since 1972, the staff at Davis Appliance & Furniture have years of expertise in helping you find the right appliance for your home.

 
 

Best Bath Supply Showroom

First Place

Landrum Supply Co.

1440 Reynolds St., Augusta

(706) 722-2042

www.landrumsupply.com

Landrum’s professional design associates take the headache out of designing new or remodeling existing bathrooms. By coordinating the supplier, contractor and plumber, they guide customers from idea to finished project.

Second Place

Ferguson

3610 Wrightsboro Rd., Augusta

(706) 860-7677

www.ferguson.com

At Ferguson’s you can buy the basics in trendy or traditional styles. Then add the elements of luxury to suit your tastes and your space.

Third Place

W.A. Bragg & Co.

420 Columbia Industrial Blvd., Evans

(706) 860-9790

#4 Caldwell Ct., Aiken

(803) 642-6000

2513 Mike Padgett Hwy., Augusta

(706) 798-8257

www.wabragg.com

The W.A. Bragg showroom enables you to see not just what you can do, but also what is possible. Choose from a wide array of leading brands to update an outdated bath or design a dream retreat.


 

Best blind/shutter company

First Place

Summerville Shutter Company

3064 Damascus Rd., Augusta (706) 722-9949

www.summervilleshutter.com

In need of window treatments? Give       Summerville Shutter Company a call. Offering a full line of window coverings, Summerville Shutter build their custom shutters right here in Augusta and can fit any budget.

Second Place

Plantation Shutters Augusta PLUS 120 N. Belair Rd., Evans (706) 738-4196 www.plantationshuttersplus.com Since 1986, the staff at Plantation Shutters Augusta PLUS have been building custom window treatments for Augusta area residents.

Third Place

Hardwood Floors & More 4696 Washington Rd., Evans (706) 868-7030 www.hardwoodfloorsandmoreinc.com Although they specialize in flooring, Hardwood Floors offers so much more. As an authorized Hunter Douglas dealer, they have trained specialists ready to help you find the perfect window treatment for your home.


 

Best Cabinetmaker

First Place

Crawford Cabinets 3831 Oak Dr., Martinez (706) 868-6329 Since 1984, Augusta area residents have been  calling on the experts at Crawford Cabinets to offer affordable and functional cabinet designs. Craftmanship without compare goes into the construction of every project.

Second Place

Looper Cabinet Company Inc.

418 Columbia Industrial Blvd., Evans (706) 863-1505

www.loopercabinet.com

For more than 60 years, Looper Cabinet Company has been crafting custom cabinetry for Augusta area homes. Using only solid hardwood, the craftsman at Looper can turn your cabinet dreams into reality.

Third Place

The Millwork Shop, LLC 416 Columbia Industrial Blvd., Evans (706) 868-9264 www.millworkshop.com The business of building custom cabinets is a family tradition for Charles Looper. Looper got his start in 1978 when he started Looper-Hill Cabinet Company. In 2006, he founded The Millwork Shop to continue making quality cabinetry.


 

Best Carpet/Rug Company

First Place

Merit Flooring

1530 Whiskey Rd., Aiken

(803) 649-0961

3114 Wrightsboro Rd., Augusta

(706) 736-1491

398 Towne Park Blvd., Evans

(706) 863-5839

www.meritfloor.com

Generations of Augustans have relied on Merit Floor, formerly known as The Carpet Shop, for all their flooring needs. Merit’s reputation is rooted in their knowledgeable staff and large selection of quality products.

Second Place

Kirkland’s Flooring

657 N. Belair Rd., Evans

(706) 650-1905

kirklandsflooring.com

Kirkland’s is one of the most competitively priced flooring companies in the country, not just the Augusta area. Installation crews leave customers with beautiful carpets and a sense of a job well done.

Third Place

Augusta Flooring

202 Bobby Jones Expwy., Augusta

(706) 251-9135

www.augustaflooring.com

Augusta Flooring is always affordable. With a showroom full of choices, customer service is their top priority, regardless of the size of the job.


Best Carpet Cleaning Service

First Place

Stanley Steemer

2013 Frankie Ct., Augusta

(706) 860-3774

www.stanleysteemer.com

Since 1947, Stanley Steemer has set the standard in the carpet cleaning industry and has topped the list as a favorite of local residents.

Second Place

Knight Carpet &

Upholstery Cleaners

5162 Fairington Dr., Evans

(706) 339-4274

www.carpetcleaningaugusta.com

Founded in 1984 by James Takacs, Knight Carpet & Upholstery Cleaners promises customers a 10-step carpet cleaning service that begins with a visual inspection of your carpets and ends with a post-cleaning inspection and, of course, a smile.

Third Place

Majestic Floor Care, LLC 4325 Washington Rd., Evans

(706) 339-4274

www.majesticfloorcare.com

The mission of Majestic is simple – provide quality service and to give back to the community they serve. Burt Sappenfield and his staff have been serving the Augusta area for more than 29 years.


 

Best Countertop Company

First Place

Star Granite

1002 Hartwell Hwy., Elberton, GA

(706) 993-1337

www.stargraniteinteriors.com

Based in Elberton, Star Granite is a favorite among area designers when helping their clients choose the perfect granite for any space. With a state of the art manufacturing facility and a huge selection, it’s easy to see why residents turn to Star Granite for their countertops.

Second Place

Stoneworks of Augusta

3843 Wrightsboro Rd., Augusta

(706) 798-3005

www.stoneworksofaugusta.com

Stoneworks of Augusta is your source for the beauty of natural granite. Schedule a showroom consult to select the stone to suit your style.

Third Place

Countersync

2014 Westside Ct.

Masters Industrial Park, Augusta

(706) 847-4890

www.countersync.net

Countersync fabricates solid-surface counters for kitchen and bath, but believe it when they say that the uses for solid-surface counters are limited only by your imagination. The nonporous, impact-resistant surface resists bacteria, mildew, mold and stains.


 

Best KITCHEN Supply/Showroom

First Place

Landrum Supply Co.

1440 Reynolds St., Augusta

(706) 722-2042

www.landrumsupply.com

Landrum’s repeatedly takes the top place in this category. Let their professional design associates take the headache out of designing new or remodeling existing kitchens.

Second Place Ferguson

3610 Wrightsboro Rd., Augusta

(706) 860-7677

www.ferguson.com/branch/augusta-ga-showroom

Ferguson is sure to have what you’re looking for, whether your designing a new kitchen or remodeling your existing one.

Third Place

W.A. Bragg & Co.

420 Columbia Industrial Blvd., Evans

(706) 860-9790

#4 Caldwell Ct., Aiken

(803) 642-6000

2513 Mike Padgett Hwy., Augusta

(706) 798-8257

www.wabragg.com

The W.A. Bragg showroom enables you to see not just what you can do, but also what is possible. Offering a wide selection of leading brands to update an outdated kitchen or design your dream one.


 

Best Decorator Fabric Store

First Place

Curtain Call

240 Davis Rd., Augusta

(706) 868-5757

www.curtaincallfabrics.com

Augustans name Curtain Call one of their favorite fabric stores year after year. With a new location and larger selection, it’s easy to see why.

Second Place

Decorator’s Outlet & Interiors

3855 Washington Rd., Augusta

(706) 855-5070

www.decoratorsoutlet.com

Serving the decorating needs of area residents since 1988. With a vast collection of fabrics for a variety of uses, it’s not a surprise that Decorator’s Outlet remains among the Best of Home.

Third Place

Joann

3435 Wrightsboro Rd., Augusta

(706) 863-0803

www.bnbcloth.com

While fabrics for your home are not their focus, Joann does have a selection of interior fabrics at competitive prices.


 

Best Garage Door Company

First Place

Overhead Door Company of Augusta

1529 Crescent Dr., Augusta

(706) 736-8478

www.ohdaugusta.com

When shopping for a garage door, the choice is clear – Overhead Door Company of Augusta.The company prides itself on installing dependable garage doors. They’ll walk you through the process of choosing a garage door that matches your needs and complements your home’s exterior.

Second Place

Southern Door & Fireplace

3819 Wrightsboro Rd., Augusta

(706) 868-8118

www.southerndoorandfireplace.com

Family owned and operated since 1988, the company is committed to the satisfaction and comfort of all customers, from the initial consultation to installation and ongoing warranty.


 

Best Fence company

First Place

East Georgia Fence and Construction

1158 Hunters Cove, Evans

(706) 220-0854

www.eastgeorgiafence.com

Area residents rely on East Georgia Fence to install every type of fence available on the market: wood fence, chain link, aluminum and steel ornamental, pvc vinyl and others. Finish that new fence off with the security and convenience of an automatic gate operator. 

Second Place

Maner Builders Supply Co.

3717 Washington Rd.

(706) 863-6191

www.maner.com

Maner serves most of Georgia and South Carolina with the most experienced personnel in the business. Whether you want an ornamental fence to set off the architecture of your home or a fence for a sense of security, Maner will install it at a competitive price.


 

Best Heating and Air

First Place

Westside Heating & Air 4282 Triangle Industrial Dr., Evans (706) 863-6122 www.westsideheatair.com

For the second consecutive year, homeowners have named Westside Heating and Air as the number one HVAC company for quality and service.  Servicing most major brands, Westside can take care of all your HVAC needs.

Second Place

Doc Savage Heating and Air Conditioning 2530 Ivey Rd., Augusta

(706) 793-4131 www.docsavageair.com

If you’re looking for a full service HVAC company, look no further than Doc Savage. Their reputation depends on your satisfaction, and everyone works hard to ensure customers are happy.

Third Place

Busby’s Heating & Air Conditioning 1236 Gordon Park Rd., Augusta

(706) 722-8855 www.busbys.com

What began as a small, rural company in 1945 has now become a well-known heating & air conditioning company, With a catchy jingle -’Give Busby’s a buzz and we’ll be there,’ it’s easy to see why residents turn to Busby’s for their HVAC needs. 


 

Best Hardwood Flooring

First Place

Merit Flooring

1530 Whiskey Rd., Aiken

(803) 649-0961

3114 Wrightsboro Rd., Augusta

(706) 736-1491

398 Towne Park Blvd., Evans

(706) 863-5839

www.meritfloor.com

For more than 50 years  Merit has stood behind their trusted, quality products and service. Whether your looking to install new hardwood floors or refinish your existing ones, the friendly, knowledgable staff at Merit is ready to help!

Second Place

Hardwood Floors & More

4696 Washington Rd., Evans

(706) 868-7030

www.hardwoodfloorsandmoreinc.com

The experts at Hardwood Floors & More not only aid you in selecting the best product for your lifestyle, but they also ensure you get years of satisfaction out of it.

Third Place

Kirkland’s Flooring

657 N. Belair Rd., Evans

(706) 650-1905

www.kirklandsflooring.com

Offering a great selection on hardwoods – everything from Acacia, Burch, pine, oak and more Kirkland’s is competitively priced and ready to install your dream floors.


 

Best Historic Preservation

First Place

Bagwell Painting and Restoration

6566 Reservoir Rd., Appling (706) 533-2985 www.bagwellpainting.com

Established in 1976, Bagwell Painting and Restoration has a history of providing quality professional service. The father-son duo is ready to assist you with a variety of needs when it comes to restoring/preserving your home.


 

Best Landscaping company

First Place

Southern Landscaping

4759 Washington Rd., Evans

(706) 855-5035 www.southernlandscaping.net

A family-owned, full-service landscape company, Southern Landscaping Garden & Gifts has been serving the Augusta area since 1986.


Best Lighting Showroom

First Place

Southern Lighting Gallery

215 Bobby Jones Exp., Martinez

(706) 868-5014

www.slgonline.com

The right lighting sets the mood. Visit Southern Lighting Gallery to shop the largest selection of lighting products in the CSRA and to experiment with fixtures in natural room settings in the gallery’s lighting lab.

Second Place

Aiken Lighting

482 E. Pine Log Rd., Aiken

(803) 641-0804

www.aikenlighting.com

With an eclectic mix of chandeliers, pendants, lamps, landscap lighting and more, the folks at Aiken Lighting are full of bright ideas.

Third Place Hardwood Floors & More

4696 Washington Rd., Evans

(706) 868-7030

www.hardwoodfloorsandmoreinc.com

The “more” in Hardwood Floors & More means more to love, and their selection of lighting options proves it.


 

Best Lumber Company

First Place

Mulherin Lumber Co.

705 Industrial Park Dr., Evans

(706) 863-6070

www.mulherinlumber.com

The Mulherin family has dealt in the lumber industry since the 1800s. Today the lumber sheds are stacked high with premium products, perfect for building your dream home.

Second Place

Maner Builders Supply Co.

3787 Martinez Blvd., Martinez

(706) 863-6191

www.maner.com

More than just a lumber yard, Maner Builders Supply carries everything homebuilders need to get the job done, from framing to finishing a house. Maner’s carries 13,000 stocked items ready for delivery in their 35 specialized trucks.

Third Place

Howard Lumber

475 Columbia Industrial Blvd., Evans

(706) 868-8400

www.howardlumbercompany.com

Howard Lumber carries materials that meet the rigorous standards of the building industry. They strive to be the place of choice for CSRA architects, builders and homeowners.


 

Best Mortgage Lending Institution

First Place

South State Bank 1231 Augusta West Pkwy., Augusta (706) 760-2022

www.southstatebank.com/mortgage

Great rates with personal service is what you’ll get when working with South State Bank. The experts at South State know that buying a home is one of the most important investments you’ll ever make. Their experts are ready to assist you in buying your dream home.

Second Place

New American Funding

1231 Augusta West Pkwy., Augusta (706) 760-2022

www.branch.newamericanfunding.com/Augusta

For the third year straight, New American Funding places in the top three for mortgage lending institution. While the business has had a name change (formerly Element Funding) the same highly experienced sales and support staff from the mortgage banking industry, are ready to help.

Third Place

Queensborough National Bank & Trust Company

4226 Columbia Rd., Martinez

(706) 869-6975

www.qnbtrust.bank

With more than 100 years of local expertise, it’s not surprising that area residents turn to Queensborough for their mortgage needs.


Best Home Builder

First Place

Ivey Homes

672 Industrial Park Dr., Ste. 200, Evans

(706) 868-9363

www.iveyhomes.com

For the second consecutive year, Ivey Homes takes top honors among area homebuilders. Progressive building techniques result in homes on the cutting edge of efficiency, convenience and affordability.

Second Place

Kevin Hefner Construction

607 Bradford Ln. (706) 860-4770

Specializing in new single-family homes, Kevin Hefner Construction has been helping homeowners design their dream homes since 1999.

Third Place

Designer Builders, Inc. 935 Doughtery Rd., Aiken

(803) 642-8340 www.designerbuilders.com

Todd Gaul, president and owner of Designer Builders, has been building custom homes with unmatched craftmanship since 1990. His attention to detail and meeting his customers needs is what truly sets him apart from other builders.


 

Best Paint STORE

First Place

Gerald Robinson’s Paint and Decorating Center

3850 Washington Rd., #5A, Augusta

(706) 863-4593

www.geraldrobinsonspaint.com

Gerald Robinson’s Paint and Decorating Center takes top honors again in this category. Home improvement projects begin with Benjamin Moore paints and a Gerald Robinson’s associate.

Second Place

Sherwin Williams

3238 Wrightsboro Rd., Augusta

(706) 733-9405

201 Casa Linda Dr., Martinez

(706) 863-3523

2709 Peach Orchard Rd., Augusta

(706) 796-3865

www.sherwin-williams.com

Sherwin Williams has all of the supplies you need to do-it-yourself plus experts who can guide you every step of the way. Quality brands ensure a beautiful finish.

 

Best Pool company

First Place

Pete Alewine Pool and Spa

4470 Washington Rd., Evans

(706) 863-1207

www.petealewinepools.com

Pete Alewine and his crew turn

humdrum backyards into staycation destinations. Serving up both standard options and custom designs, Pete Alewine applies his 35 years plus experience to provide high-quality installation using in-house specialized crews, never subbing out the work.

Second Place

Aiken Swimming Pool Company

2085 Whiskey Rd., Aiken

(803) 649-7413

www.aikenswimmingpoolcompany.com

Founded in 1972 by Ronnie Hinds, Aiken Swimming Pool Company is the oldest and most established pool company in Aiken. With a committment to quality, the staff at ASPC will help you create your very own backyard paradise.

Third Place

Berry’s Pool & Outdoor Oasis

412 Silver Bluff Rd., Aiken

(803) 648-5085

www.berryspool.com

Specializing in creating your own private oasis, Berry’s is more than just a pool commpany. They are your one-stop shop for all your backyard needs.


 

Best security system company

First Place

Cruise Security Systems

3540 Wheeler Rd., Suite 212, Augusta

(706) 798-7163

www.cruisesecuritysystemsinc.com

Your security is their top priority at Cruise Security Systems.  Family-owned, Cruise offers the most up-to-date products, conducts security evaluations and provides system estimates free of charge. It’s easy to see why they hold the top spot!

Second Place

ADT

3815 Martinez Blvd., Suite K, Martinez

(706) 993-2025

www.adt.com

A national company, ADT is known for their innovative technology and almost instant emergency response protect your family, your pets and your home.

Third Place

Aiken Augusta Electric & Security

218 Oak St., Suite C, Augusta

(706) 868-8722 www.aikenaugustaelectricsecurity.com

Serving area residents since 1987, .Aiken Augusta Electric & Security can help your with all your security needs to ensure the safety of your home and family.


 

Best Tile Company

First Place

The Tile Center

2582 Whiskey Rd., Aiken

(803) 649-5411

1331 Reynolds St., Augusta

(706) 722-6804

3905 Washington Rd., Martinez

(706) 863-5818

www.tilecenter.com

Opened in 1961, the Tile Center has brought exquisite tile and stone, plus innovations in materials, to Augusta for over 50 years. Visit the showroom to see the many uses of stone and tile in and around the home. You’ll be amazed.

Second Place

Merit Flooring

1530 Whiskey Rd., Aiken

(803) 649-0961

3114 Wrightsboro Rd., Augusta

(706) 736-1491

398 Towne Park Blvd., Evans

(706) 863-5839

www.meritfloor.com

Merit Floor is more than just a flooring company. For more than 50 years, Merit has stood behind their trusted, quality products and service. Whether your looking to install new hardwood floors or refinish your existing ones, the friendly, knowledgable staff at Merit is ready to help!

Third Place

Traditions in Tile

1712 North Leg Ct., Augusta

(706) 738-3960

www.traditionsintile.com

Traditions in Tile is a Best of Home tradition year after year. Walk-ins are always welcome, but an appointment assures plenty of one-on-one time with a design expert to help hammer out the details of your project. And with tile and stone from around the world, the possibilities are limitless.


 

Best Home Furnishings Consignment

First Place

The Savvy Shopper

3120 Washington Rd., Augusta

(706) 814-7008

www.facebook.com/shopsavvynow

Located in the old Ethan Allen building on Washington Rd., TheSavvy Shopper has become a favorite of many homeowners when looking for that unique piece. With a large selection of new and used furniture, that is constantly changing, you are sure to find something to fit your taste.

Second Place

Consign Design

318 Baston Rd., Ste. 102, Martinez

(706) 945-0176

www.consigndesignaugusta.com

Consign Design, Augusta’s original upscale home décor consignment shop, remains a top spot for area residents. Visit their Facebook page to view new arrivals or just pop into the shop to peruse the selection new-to-you home décor.

Third Place

Romantic Farmhouse

218 Bobby Jones Expwy., Martinez

(706) 426-7061 www.facebook.com/romanticfarmhouse

Want upscale furniture and home accessories at a reasonable price? Look no further than Romantic Farmhouse.


 

Best Outdoor Furniture

First Place

Casual Furniture of Augusta

3725 Washington Rd., Augusta

(706) 504-4547

www.casualfurnitureaugusta.com

Owner Donna Gibbs has brought quality casual furniture to the Augusta area for more than 25 years and has been voted Best of Home by our readers since 2012. The Casual Furniture showroom on Washington Road displays traditional and trendy styles to cozy up any outdoor space.

Second Place

The Wicker Barn

3910 Washington Rd., Augusta

(706) 364-3570

www.wickerbarn.com

Outdoor furniture should have a great look and require low maintenance. Wicker-resin pieces from the Wicker Barn are made of sturdy construction from easy-to-care-for material and they perform fantastically season after season.

Third Place

Weinberger’s Furniture

& Mattress Showcase 3021 Riverwatch Pkwy., Augusta

(706) 860-9494

www.weinbergersfurniture.com

Family owned and operated for 86 years, Weinberger’s focuses on delivering quality furniture, design expertise and excellent customer service.


 

Best plumber

First Place

Ricky Jay Plumbing

140 Davis Rd., Suite B, Martinez

(706) 399-5361

Ricky Jay handles residential and commercial work with no trip charge and rates based solely on time and materials used.

Second Place

Precision Plumbing

3235 Ware Rd., Augusta

(706) 729-0910

Specializing in residential, commercial, remodel and repair services, the folks at Precision Plumbing concentrate on providing professional and quality service.

Third Place

Hardy Plumbing

4192 Belair Frontage Rd, Augusta

(706) 863-2110

www.hardyplumbingco.com

Hardy Plumbing has been serving residents of the Augusta area for more than 20 years. A reliable, courteous and prompt staff awaits at Hardy to take care of all your plumbing needs.


 

Best electrician

First Place

Ferrell Electric

413 Vaughn Rd., Martinez

(706) 863-5129

Providing prompt, courteous and accurate service, it’s easy to see why homeowners choose Ferrell Electric for all their electrical needs.

Second Place

BZ Electric

4354 Riverwatch Pkwy, Evans

(706) 228-4488

This full-service electrical contractor has built its business on providing uncompromising quality and exceptional customer service at a competitive price.

Third Place

Rob Zapata’s Electric

639 S Old Belair Rd, Grovetown

(706) 868-8103

www.robzapataselectric.com

Founded in 1989, this contractor is headed by an Augusta native with more than 30 years’ experience as an electrician and licenses in both Georgia and South Carolina.


 

Best Insurance Company

First Place

Blanchard & Calhoun

245 Davis Rd., Augusta

(706) 650-6000 www.blanchardandcalhouins.com

Founded in 1919, Blanchard & Calhoun Insurance Agency continues to operate under the same local family ownership as an Independent Insurance Agency and a Trusted Choice agency that services their clients first.

Second Place

ACHS Insurance 1201 Town Park Lane, Evans

(706) 860-6787 www.achsinsurance.com

For more than 25 years, ACHS has been meeting the insurance needs of Augusta area residents. Regardless of the type of insurance you need, ACHS has you covered.

Third Place

State Farm multiple agents/locations

www.statefarm.com A trusted neighbor since 1922, State Farm is here to help life go right. With a wide variety of policies, local agents are ready to help with all your insurance needs.


 

Best Real Estate Company

First Place

Meybohm Real Estate

3519 Wheeler Rd., Augusta

(706) 738-4663 www.meybohm.com

For years, Augusta area residents have been relying on realtors with Meybohm to help buy, sell or rent their homes. Covering more than 13 counties in Georgia and South Carolina, let the staff at Meybohm assist you in find your next home.

Second Place

Blanchard & Calhoun

4192 Belair Frontage Rd, Augusta

(706) 722-7331 www.blanchardandcalhoun.com

Celebrating 100 years in business, this third-generation company has a proven record of success. When you need a reliable real estate company, Blanchard and Calhoun is ready to help.

Third Place

Century 21 Larry Miller Realty, Inc.

235 North Belair Rd., Evans

(706) 860-0000 www.c21larrymiller.com

With two offices, the team at Century 21 Larry Miller Realty have real estate agents ready to assist with all your real estate needs.


 

Best Pest Control

First Place

Horne’s Pest Control Company

4232 Wheeler Rd., Martinez

(706) 863-5354 www.hornespestcontrol.com

Built on a firm foundation of service, Horne’s has been keeping area homes bug free since 1966. The staff at Horne’s is ready to assist you in keeping your home, inside and out, free of pests.

Second Place

Borden Pest Control

4486 Columbia Rd., Martinez

(706) 796-7915 www.bordenpestcontrol.com

In the Augusta area, the name Borden has become synonymous witht pest control. Keeping your home free of unwanted pests since 1960.


 

Best remodeling company

First Place

Augusta Remodeling and Construction

3876 Wrightsboro Rd., Martinez

(706) 863-9895 www.augustaremodelingandconstruction.com

Need a help with a remodel? Give the folks at Augusta Remodeling and Construction. With more than 33 years of experience, no job is too big or too small for their team.

Second Place

South Point Roofing & Construction

4486 Columbia Rd., Martinez

(706) 796-7915 www.southpointconstruction.net

A full service construction and roofing company, the team at South Point is ready to assist with any home project you might have.

Third Place

Merit Flooring

1530 Whiskey Rd., Aiken

(803) 649-0961

3114 Wrightsboro Rd., Augusta

(706) 736-1491

398 Towne Park Blvd., Evans

(706) 863-5839

www.meritfloor.com

Merit Floor is more than just a flooring company. With a design team on staff, the folks at Merit can help you with any remodeling project you might have. So give them a call today!


 

Best Roofing company

First Place

Lovelace Roofing

3850 Washington Rd., Ste. 4F, Martinez

(706) 863-5399 www.lovelaceroofing.com

Since 1986, Lovelace Roofing has been providing residential and commercial property owners with all their exterior needs. Providing quality products and service is their top priority!

Second Place

Jones Roofing

2024 Gardner St., Augusta

(706) 736-1101 www.jonesroofingaugusta.com

For more than 20 years, Jones Roofing has been providing quality service to area residents.

Third Place

RL Hayes Roofing & Repairs 750 Meadow Hill Drive, Grovetown

(706) 564-2616

www.rlhayes.com With 35 years of experience, the licensed, bonded and insured professionals at RL Hayes has the knowledgable staff to complete any roofing job.


 

Best Custom art framing

First Place

Art on Broad

1028 Broad St., Augusta

(706) 722-1028 www.facebook.com/ArtonBroad

Need to have that special piece of art framed? Go see the folks at Art on Broad for affordable, quality framing.

Second Place

Frame It Now 113 Old Evans Rd., Martinez

(706) 868-1456 www.facebook.com/frameitnow

Offering quality framing at unbeatable prices, the experienced staff at Frame It Now is ready to help you select the right mats to match your custom frame.

Third Place

The Frame Shoppe 1542 Walton Way, Augusta

(706) 738-5529

www.theframeshoppeaugusta.com In business since 1972 and independently owned by Ed Durant, The Frame Shoppe has the largest and most unique local selection of frame moldings. The Frame Shoppe is ready to meet all your framing needs.


 

Best furniture store

First Place

Weinberger’s Furniture & Mattress Showcase 3021 Riverwatch Pkwy., Augusta

(706) 860-9494

www.weinbergersfurniture.com

Family owned and operated for 86 years, Weinberger’s focuses on delivering quality furniture, design expertise and excellent customer service. It’s easy to see why area residents shop Weinberger’s first when looking for new furniture.

Second Place

Merry’s Home Furnishings

1236 Broad St., Augusta

(706) 722-3244 www.merryshomefurnishings.com

Formerly knowns as Merry’s Trash & Treasures, the store recently rebranded as Merry’s Home Furnishings to reflect the ever-changing home decorating trends. Whatever your furniture needs are, the Merry brothers are ready to help!

Third Place

Great Deals on Furniture 270 Bobby Jones Expwy., Martinez

(706) 447-2477

www.greatdealsonfurniture.com Since 2005, Great Deals on Furniture has been providing quality furniture at affordable prices.


 

Best assisted/senior living

First Place

Brandon Wilde

4275 Owens Rd., Evans

(706) 868-9800 www.brandonwilde.com

An active retirement community, located in Evans. The beauty of Brandon Wilde is that the facility offers various levels of care depending on your stage in life.

Second Place

Morningside 353 North Belair Rd., Evans

(706) 228-4709 www.fivestarseniorliving.com

A warm and welcoming senior living community offering personal care services, respite care and short term stays.

Third Place

Augusta Gardens 3725 Wheeler Rd, Augusta

(706) 868-6500

www.augustagardens.net Providing the highest standards of quality of service, environment and care to residents and their families.

Article appears in the May 2021 issue of Augusta Magazine.

Have feedback or a story idea? Our publisher would love to hear from you!

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Of Apples and Obsessions https://augustamagazine.com/2016/06/01/of-apples-and-obsessions/ https://augustamagazine.com/2016/06/01/of-apples-and-obsessions/#respond Wed, 01 Jun 2016 00:00:34 +0000 http://augustamagazine.com/?p=186 The post Of Apples and Obsessions appeared first on Augusta Magazine.

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IT WAS SOMEWHERE BETWEEN Des Moines and Cedar Rapids. I was riding my bicycle on one of those roads that crisscrosses Iowa with a checkerboard-like perpendicularity, cutting straight paths through the fields of corn. They have an almost tunnel-like feel to them at the end of the growing season, as the crops on either side of the road block one’s view in any direction other than straight ahead. 

Periodically, the view would widen as I passed the home of the farmer who tended these fields and I could see the place he called home. I enjoyed seeing places, homesteads, that had witnessed generations of real American family life. It became apparent to me after my first hundred miles or so that most of these families had several apple trees near their houses and, at this time of year, these trees were laden with beautiful fruits. Oh yes, how wonderful is the family orchard.

It may be a fading memory, that children remember climbing an apple tree or jumping to grab that red treasure, just beyond reach. What a loss. What soul isn’t enriched and stirred by such an experience? It is something we should endeavor to pass along to our children and grandchildren. It is something we should do for ourselves as well. No one will ever regret planting an apple tree.

It was about four years ago that I began to desire a small orchard of my own. I knew there were some varieties of apples with which my family had some history and that was the beginning of an interest in heirloom apples. An interest can easily become a (mild) obsession and it wasn’t too many weeks later that the box arrived at my doorstep. Fourteen varieties.

It may be a fading memory, that children remember climbing an apple tree or jumping to grap that red treasure, just beyond reach.

“Grimes Golden” from West Virginia, the one my mother had described to me as a delight from her youth. “Cox’s Orange Pippin” from England, “Calville Blanc” from France and several others who had their passports stamped to arrive on our shores. It would be an experiment.

There are many naysayers in horticulture, as there are in most fields of human endeavor. “That won’t grow here” is as common a phrase in gardening circles as “because we’ve always done it that way” is in committee circles. Well, most of us rebel at such strict nonsense and often try to see for ourselves if the conventional wisdom is really all that wise. My own “questioning of authority” was manifested in the purchase of several varieties of apple that hale from places that are quite dissimilar to our own piece of the Earth. I wanted to see just who would produce fruit here in Augusta.

“Kerry Irish Pippin” was an apple that leapt off the page at me, as I have a great affection and appreciation for that island that God modeled after Eden. The fruit looked good, not the uber red visage of some grocery store varieties, but a more natural “girl next door” loveliness. It was in my shopping cart immediately, despite the fact that our summers are hellish compared with the summers of County Kerry.

“Jefferis” from Pennsylvania had the good fortune of being born in the same state as I and that was reason enough for me to need one of those. “Lamb Abbey Pearmain” looked really good and had an interesting name…and so it goes. When the shipping costs equal the cost of the plants you stop shopping and only then. Did I say “obsession”?

It has been three growing seasons now and most of the trees are still in my garden. Some of them have produced a little fruit, while others have flourished. All of them bloom in mid-spring and are finishing up their blossoming by late April. It is among my favorite sights—pink buds opening to become white flowers of a most delicate composition. They are a major contributor to the spring pageant, adding a romantic element as apples are a member of the rose family, and the relation is obvious when they are in bloom.

As much as we appreciate flowering plants, it is in the following weeks that another beauty begins to show. At first evidence they are tiny, about the size of a pea, when first noticeable. A week later they are the size of a marble and starting to show the characteristic shape of the “king of fruits.” Baby apples! The hope that was inspired by the photos in that catalog is actually being fulfilled. Only a soulless person would not be moved by the miracle.

So apples can be grown in the mid-Southern garden and we are not strictly limited to the classic Southern varieties. This is not to say that we shouldn’t embrace those time-honored cultivars with such familiar names and flavors as Yates or Rome Beauty or Arkansas Black. They all possess the family traits that make a great family tree and how many landscape plants can claim to leave lifelong positive memories for children?

Apples do need other varieties for pollination, so you will need to plant several different ones. I have crabapple trees in my garden and I am told that these are pollinators for my other varieties. This is a good thing, as crabapples are not only early blooming but also long blooming.

There are lists of varieties suitable for cross-pollination available, so you can be sure of getting fruit from your trees. Be sure to plant your orchard where it gets the most possible sun. 

Exposure to wind is also very helpful for keeping trees healthy, as I have witnessed on those hilltop homesteads of Iowa, where the wind is an ever-present reality and the trees are thriving.

You may think that you have not the space for an orchard. That is not necessarily an obstacle. Trees may be trained into spacesaving, and very stylish, Belgian fences. This method of pruning is designed to grow a tree that resembles a candelabra. If you haven’t tried it you may want to research the technique. It involves a biblical sort of pruning early in the tree’s life and, as such, I have only begun to attempt it on trees with which I have no sentimental attachment. It looks fantastic, but one must have the foresight and sense of purpose that, to my disappointment, I have not exhibited to date.This is only because I was too interested in seeing just who would make fruit, so you will forgive me.

Please consider growing your own family orchard. It will become a generous companion to you and a source of beauty as well. I have been delighted to make a home for my friends from abroad as well as my acquaintances from other areas of our country. 

My favorite apple has turned out to be Irish. “Kerry Irish Pippin” produces wonderful fruit every July, ripening very quickly in our Southern climate. Who would have guessed? 

If I’ve piqued your interest,  there are multiple sources for growing fruit trees online. I would also recommendTrees of Antiquity as a remarkable reference. 

Enjoy the experience, friends.

This article appears in the June-July 2016 issue of Augusta Magazine.

Have feedback or a story idea? Our publisher would love to hear from you!

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A Yard Is Not a Yard https://augustamagazine.com/2016/05/01/a-yard-is-not-a-yard/ https://augustamagazine.com/2016/05/01/a-yard-is-not-a-yard/#respond Sun, 01 May 2016 00:00:44 +0000 http://augustamagazine.com/?p=332 The post A Yard Is Not a Yard appeared first on Augusta Magazine.

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“I DON’T WANT TO BREAK A NAIL” It was the second time she had said it. “I don’t want to break a nail”…a phobia that was going to keep her from having a garden. This fear, this “fear of gardening” has kept many human beings from enjoying the beauty of life in a garden. It is time to eradicate hortiphobia from America, along with its attendant fears—dirty knees, dirty hands, fresh air, the dreadful sound of birds singing, flowers blooming and, of course, broken nails.

Why is it that we so detest gardenwork? I believe that it is not so much “garden” work that we dislike as it is “yard” work. It may sound like a fine point, but it most certainly is not. Yard work is a thankless, endless, uninspiring obligation that has had many Americans opting for a minimum of green space around their homes. Well do I remember the pleasures of pine straw, with its diabolical orange strings, the charge to “pull weeds” in some pine island or some other task that had me wishing it was Monday again so I could be back at school. Sick, indeed.

The problem, as I see clearly now, is that the yard still looked like a yard when I was finished. Even worse, it still FELT like a yard. It still just felt like the space between our house and the street, or the space between our house and the neighbor’s house or the space between our house and the woods. Nothing more than a grassy space, interrupted occasionally by a “pine island” with maybe some liriope around its border. If I stood in the front yard I felt the same as if I had been standing in the street. The atmosphere, the mood, was just the same at the curb as it was at the front door. “Curb appeal,” in the perverse value system of those who propagate such ideas, had claimed another victim.

Curb appeal has resulted in homes that are made to be seen. I suppose this is done so that buyers of newly constructed homes can see their dream house clearly when viewing real estate listings. This is an understandable practice, but these contractor-scapes get grandfathered in. My own childhood neighborhood  and, shamefully, my own childhood home are both museums of soul-less landscaping. Every box-leaved holly that was planted around every foundation is still there. It is a rule in “Curb Appeal Landscaping” that all shrubbery planting must be restricted to the foundation area. All homes will have a lawn from street to home and this lawn and its neatness (or lack of neatness) is to be the only difference between your yard and your neighbor’s.

It is this style of landscaping that has defined American suburbs. I suppose that we motorcar-bound citizens of the late 20th century are responsible for this lamentable state of affairs. Earlier generations treasured their outdoor spaces. It is quite evident, when visiting older sections of almost any community that people enjoyed spending time outdoors in the areas around their homes. Gardens and paths and fences and gates will be seen, bearing witness that people were actually supposed to “be” in these outdoor rooms. And therein lies the difference between a “yard” and a “garden.”

Gardens are for people. A garden is an outdoor space designed to nurture the soul of its visitor. We humans are much more than eyes and ears and noses, we are thoughts and memories and emotions. We can enjoy delight and tranquility, joy and fascination, admiration and wonder. There is more to stir our human soul in the outdoors than in any man-made building. This is the reason to build a garden. To make a place of respite and encouragement, hope and joy and humor is the work that we were given in Eden. It is still the atmosphere in which our souls thrive. υ

Okay, but you are not a gardener. You have a black thumb. You don’t have time. These “excuses” presuppose that a garden must be composed of notable plants, botanical treasures or, at least, plants that make demands of us. This is not true! A wonderful garden can be made using the same plants that may be found huddling around any suburban foundation planting, or even around the bank or around the local public school. It is all about arrangement.

Do interesting things with “boring” plants. That holly that is growing at the corner of your house can be used to denote the entrance to your garden, just place a pair at the beginning of your walkway and you have established a sense of entry and of “place.” Use a little imagination (and some pruners) and you can have characterful and theatrical sculptural forms that would make a Parisian proud. And while we are creating that sense of private space, a little evergreen presence closer to the thoroughfare will make us feel like we are no longer on public land. The ubiquitous ligustrum or holly or nandina or camellia will work just fine in that role, along with myriad common plants.

“I don’t want to break a nail.” It was the second time she had said it. “I don’t want to break a nail”…a phobia that was going to keep her from having a garden. This fear, this “fear of gardening” has kept many human beings from enjoying the beauty of life in a garden. It is time to eradicate hortiphobia from America, along with its attendant fears—dirty knees, dirty hands, fresh air, the dreadful sound of birds singing, flowers blooming and, of course, broken nails.

Why is it that we so detest gardenwork? I believe that it is not so much “garden” work that we dislike as it is “yard” work. It may sound like a fine point, but it most certainly is not. Yard work is a thankless, endless, uninspiring obligation that has had many Americans opting for a minimum of green space around their homes. Well do I remember the pleasures of pine straw, with its diabolical orange strings, the charge to “pull weeds” in some pine island or some other task that had me wishing it was Monday again so I could be back at school. Sick, indeed.

The problem, as I see clearly now, is that the yard still looked like a yard when I was finished. Even worse, it still FELT like a yard. It still just felt like the space between our house and the street, or the space between our house and the neighbor’s house or the space between our house and the woods. Nothing more than a grassy space, interrupted occasionally by a “pine island” with maybe some liriope around its border. If I stood in the front yard I felt the same as if I had been standing in the street. The atmosphere, the mood, was just the same at the curb as it was at the front door. “Curb appeal,” in the perverse value system of those who propagate such ideas, had claimed another victim.

Curb appeal has resulted in homes that are made to be seen. I suppose this is done so that buyers of newly constructed homes can see their dream house clearly when viewing real estate listings. This is an understandable practice, but these contractor-scapes get grandfathered in. My own childhood neighborhood  and, shamefully, my own childhood home are both museums of soul-less landscaping. Every box-leaved holly that was planted around every foundation is still there. It is a rule in “Curb Appeal Landscaping” that all shrubbery planting must be restricted to the foundation area. All homes will have a lawn from street to home and this lawn and its neatness (or lack of neatness) is to be the only difference between your yard and your neighbor’s.

It is this style of landscaping that has defined American suburbs. I suppose that we motorcar-bound citizens of the late 20th century are responsible for this lamentable state of affairs. Earlier generations treasured their outdoor spaces. It is quite evident, when visiting older sections of almost any community that people enjoyed spending time outdoors in the areas around their homes. Gardens and paths and fences and gates will be seen, bearing witness that people were actually supposed to “be” in these outdoor rooms. And therein lies the difference between a “yard” and a “garden.”

Gardens are for people. A garden is an outdoor space designed to nurture the soul of its visitor. We humans are much more than eyes and ears and noses, we are thoughts and memories and emotions. We can enjoy delight and tranquility, joy and fascination, admiration and wonder. There is more to stir our human soul in the outdoors than in any man-made building. This is the reason to build a garden. To make a place of respite and encouragement, hope and joy and humor is the work that we were given in Eden. It is still the atmosphere in which our souls thrive. υ

Okay, but you are not a gardener. You have a black thumb. You don’t have time. These “excuses” presuppose that a garden must be composed of notable plants, botanical treasures or, at least, plants that make demands of us. This is not true! A wonderful garden can be made using the same plants that may be found huddling around any suburban foundation planting, or even around the bank or around the local public school. It is all about arrangement.

Do interesting things with “boring” plants. That holly that is growing at the corner of your house can be used to denote the entrance to your garden, just place a pair at the beginning of your walkway and you have established a sense of entry and of “place.” Use a little imagination (and some pruners) and you can have characterful and theatrical sculptural forms that would make a Parisian proud. And while we are creating that sense of private space, a little evergreen presence closer to the thoroughfare will make us feel like we are no longer on public land. The ubiquitous ligustrum or holly or nandina or camellia will work just fine in that role, along with myriad common plants.

Now that we have defined our space we need to address other elements of garden design…walkways, flowering plants, accessories, furniture and all the endless options for decorating your Eden. So many options, so many possibilities that only you can define perfection. You can draw on multitudinous sources of inspiration. And it will never be “perfect.” One accomplishment opens new possibilities and your mind conjures new “perfections.” It is not a diabolical moving target, but an energizing array of images of the next thing.

But a garden has flowers, doesn’t it? In most of our minds it does and there are multitudes of choices that are amenable to (mostly) hands-off gardening. Beginning in the very early spring we can have daffodils and crocus and leucojum and any of those perennial friends who appear every spring and who keep no record of wrongs. The flowering shrubs and vines of “high spring” are certainly not reluctant growers. Viburnum, deutzia, philadelphus and many other old-fashioned flowering shrubs are dependable and self reliant. Carolina Jessamine, wisteria, clematis, and even some “climbing” roses are equally dependable, if we need something to climb a bit. Through most  the year we can be in the company of flowers borne by plants that don’t require our assistance at all. 

It can be done so easily. Making a garden is done over years and only requires that we make a beginning. The process is self-energizing, as every modest improvement and every little success leads us on to others. And thus, you will become a gardener. No longer dreading tasks to be accomplished outdoors, you will learn to love the time spent in your peaceful place. No manicure can do THAT for your soul.  

Now that we have defined our space we need to address other elements of garden design…walkways, flowering plants, accessories, furniture and all the endless options for decorating your Eden. So many options, so many possibilities that only you can define perfection. You can draw on multitudinous sources of inspiration. And it will never be “perfect.” One accomplishment opens new possibilities and your mind conjures new “perfections.” It is not a diabolical moving target, but an energizing array of images of the next thing.

But a garden has flowers, doesn’t it? In most of our minds it does and there are multitudes of choices that are amenable to (mostly) hands-off gardening. Beginning in the very early spring we can have daffodils and crocus and leucojum and any of those perennial friends who appear every spring and who keep no record of wrongs. The flowering shrubs and vines of “high spring” are certainly not reluctant growers. Viburnum, deutzia, philadelphus and many other old-fashioned flowering shrubs are dependable and self reliant. Carolina Jessamine, wisteria, clematis, and even some “climbing” roses are equally dependable, if we need something to climb a bit. Through most  the year we can be in the company of flowers borne by plants that don’t require our assistance at all. 

It can be done so easily. Making a garden is done over years and only requires that we make a beginning. The process is self-energizing, as every modest improvement and every little success leads us on to others. And thus, you will become a gardener. No longer dreading tasks to be accomplished outdoors, you will learn to love the time spent in your peaceful place. No manicure can do THAT for your soul.  

This article appears in the May 2016 issue of Augusta Magazine.

Have feedback or a story idea? Our publisher would love to hear from you!

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A Most Amicable Transplant https://augustamagazine.com/2016/04/01/a-most-amicable-transplant/ https://augustamagazine.com/2016/04/01/a-most-amicable-transplant/#respond Fri, 01 Apr 2016 00:00:02 +0000 http://augustamagazine.com/?p=335 The post A Most Amicable Transplant appeared first on Augusta Magazine.

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FRENCH CARS. That’s right. Peugeots and Citroens and Renaults and Simcas. Cars that Americans have occasionally purchased and then had stories to pass on to succeeding generations. Names that live in American automotive infamy, these Gallic conveyances have more tales of wheel-borne woe than any sane person could forgive. But like a parent with  “Not MY child” syndrome, I love them. The style, the oddness, the idiosyncrasies…

Driving through the American South, I will occasionally see a static example of the French automotive expression. Maybe halfway to Charleston, while taking the back way, I would see a Le Car or Peugeot. These are cars whose only current function appears to be protecting the grass under them from the lawnmower, but they still quicken my pulse. Curious, if not pitiful.

This reaction, this discovery of unexpected treasure, is not limited to oddball automobiles. It is among the things that I greatly enjoy when I find plants growing in rural homesteads, plants that really “shouldn’t” be there. It happens quite regularly. My companions have often heard my exclamation of “There’s a Cunninghamia!” when traveling from Augusta to (fill in the name of a mid-sized Southern town here). They are out there.

And just what makes the Cunninghamia an unlikely inhabitant of the coastal plain and the lower South? It is native to China. Cunninghamia lanceolata, or Chinese fir, is half a world away from its natural home. How it got here is a testament to the industriousness and inspiration of the Berckmans family, the Belgian horticulturists who founded Fruitland Nurseries. The nursery that would eventually become a famous golf course was instrumental in introducing many foreign citizens to our American landscape and this conifer is among them. The Berckmans knew that horticultural immigrants had a future in the States and we owe them a debt of gratitude. They brought this tree to the South.

This conifer is not on anyone’s top 100 list of most popular landscape plants—far from it. It is nowadays considered a collector’s plant, as I would categorize it. That is what makes its existence in unlikely places so remarkable. Here is a tree of nobility and character, as well as botanical interest, that has grown unaided by doting horticulturists, probably without any care at all, judging by the residences where I have seen it. υ

I recall a humble cottage in Dewy Rose, Ga., that was graced by a beautiful Cunninghamia. This tree was 50 or 60 feet tall and towered over the plastic children’s toys that colored the yard. Another pair of perfectly matched trees exists on a farmstead near Estill, S.C., and has an equally engaged gardener, judging by the collection of rusted hulks decorating the yard.

The China fir is amenable to being “limbed up” if you need floor space in your garden.

It is this indifference toward being nurtured that makes the China fir so remarkable. It maintains its dignity and appearance no matter its circumstances. I have known people who demonstrated this noble characteristic…and it must be one of the rarer virtues in human beings. It seems that Cunninghamia likes sun and lives on whatever moisture the Weather Channel provides. Obviously, a newly planted youngster needs some care, but it does not have the tiresome neediness of many collectible plants.

There are a couple of varieties of Cunninghamia lanceolata, apart from the straight species, that are available from specialty nurseries. Chason’s Gift is a more compact version of the species, while Glauca has bluish needles. These are both interesting and quiet additions to the landscape. You will enjoy the cones that appear at the tips of the stems, quite stylish and beautiful, if you pause to notice such things. We need plants that make us slow down and appreciate divine creativity; it is what gardening is all about.

The China fir is amenable to being “limbed up” if you need floor space in your garden. This sort of forest can
provide an elegant and stylized form
of shade in which many woodland plants will thrive. If you need screening from a neighborhood eyesore or prying eyes our Oriental friend can help. If you just need a solid and reliable presence, and we all do, he can do that as well. Many of the useful tasks performed by Leyland cypress or arborvitae or upright junipers can be handled admirably by Cunninghamia. 

If your garden or your landscape needs a taller evergreen presence
and you have seen enough of the usual suspects, you should do the research needed to find the China fir. The 14th hole at the Augusta National Golf Club has a selection, I am told, but they are probably beyond most homeowner’s budgets. I believe Nurseries Caroliniana grows some and possibly Woodlanders, as well. Embrace this reminder of Augusta’s horticultural heritage, friends. And enjoy the spring. 

This article appears in the April 2016 issue of Augusta Magazine.

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Seeds for Success https://augustamagazine.com/2016/02/01/seeds-for-success/ https://augustamagazine.com/2016/02/01/seeds-for-success/#respond Mon, 01 Feb 2016 00:00:30 +0000 http://augustamagazine.com/?p=338 The post Seeds for Success appeared first on Augusta Magazine.

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DON’T BUY THAT PLANT!  I see it in your shopping cart and I can foresee an unhappy ending. Just the way I feel when I see some college kids ordering another round of “Fireball” shots. It just doesn’t usually end well.

Just why would it be a bad idea to buy a nice big foxglove? Because you will forget to water it on one warm day and it will look like the Wicked Witch of the West after her bath, a shriveled and pitiful little pile of fuzzy foliage. Dang!

And even if you don’t forget to water it, you will be made well aware of just how much water the plant requires to remain turgid for 24 hours. It is a thirsty plant that came to you with a barely sufficient root system. It has been thriving in the most coddling of environments and now it’s time for the real world. It is this sort of imbalance that makes most people think they have a black thumb.

If this warning isn’t sufficient enough to make you put that plant back on the rack, there is one other thing you should know about your pretty adoptee: She also has been using drugs. Okay, this is not universally true, but many of the plants found on “forklift-friendly”racks have been treated with growth regulator. This allows them to bloom and not bump their heads on the bottom of the bunk above them. Any chance that your beautiful girl had to become the elegant, tall lady you envision has been short-circuited by chemistry. Convenience and marketability have limited her future.

Any chance that your beautiful girl had to become the elegant, tall lady you envision has been short-circuited by chemistry.

This warning is not meant to keep your garden free from the dreamy spires of Digitalis (the botanical name for foxglove). On the contrary, it is meant to encourage you to embrace the beautiful and graceful foxglove, only in a more natural and “horticulturally correct” way. You see, I must confess to having committed the sins described above. After enough gardening “hangovers” it’s time to change our pattern of behavior. 

If you watch the foxgloves in your garden you’ll see how they do it naturally, going to seed and progressing into flowering adulthood. These mature plants flower from late winter through early summer, depending on the harshness of the winter. It is not unusual to find someone blooming even in the off-peak season in my garden, and after this flowering you can watch the seed pods developing. υ

Digitalis seeds are very tiny, almost dust-like—the sort of seeds you dread finding in a packet. How many times did I, in my horticultural childhood, open a pack of campanula seeds to find an even smaller packet inside the packet. This Ukranian nesting doll trickery had me beaten before I started. Handling these types of hopelessly small seeds is for people of science, not a gardener with dexterity and attention-span issues.

And now the good news: You don’t have to handle foxglove seed! If I handle these tiny embryos at all it is only to cut off a ripe stem from an adult who has finished flowering and then wave it around the garden. This demented fairy act is best done in twilight situations or other times when witnesses are not present, but it serves to spread seeds wherever they may fall. This randomness gives charm that no human cleverness could contrive.

“Okay then, how do I get these adult foxgloves in my garden if I can’t buy them in the spring?” I knew that question was out there, so I have some options. First you can buy some smaller ones (usually in four-inch pots or quarts) that are not so oversized for their pots. This gives a more balanced package as far as roots-to-foliage ratio. I find that good local nurseries have these kinds of plants available beginning in fall. And then be mindful of the real key to success with planting potted foxglove: Plant them in the gardening season. That’s right, the gardening season is college football season, or roughly so. 

Get your new plants in the ground while the weather is less stressful. They will become established and behave properly the following spring. Then you will be able to enjoy the fruits of your virtuous efforts while others are scrambling for “color” to stick in their yard. I can already see the smug expressions on many of your faces and you will deserve to feel thus.

Whichever path you choose, I hope these elegant flowering plants become long-term residents in your garden.

Option three is to ignore the preceding advice. You are welcome to go to the big box store and load up on big, growth-regulated foxgloves and prove me wrong. You are probably the one to do it! Whichever path you choose, I hope these elegant flowering plants become long-term residents in your garden. They are biennial, but their self-sowing behavior will make them a perennial presence.

Another plant comes to mind as I think about the nature of foxgloves. It is a flowering tobacco that I’ve admired over the years in some seed catalogs and which I  finally acquired. Its seeds came in the aforementioned packet-in-a-packet and threatened to discouraged me from ever planting them. I remember sowing them on the surface of some compost and watching as two seedlings developed. I cared for these two treasures and finally planted them out. I grew two of the most lovingly cultivated poke weeds ever.

Somehow, as divine grace would have it, the proper plant emerged somewhere in my garden. I am pretty sure I took the “spare” seeds I didn’t feel like dealing with and threw them in some bed or the other where nature took care of the rest. As a result I’ve had Nicotiana Langsdorfii ever since. Just say it. Nicotiana langsdorfii. It’s almost as much fun to say as it is satisfying to grow. Chartreuse blossoms that dangle like tiny skirts on airy stems will draw the attention of anyone who passes nearby. They blend agreeably with almost anything and will spread around your garden to make their
own friends, not requiring your matchmaking efforts.

I hope both of these plants will make themselves at home in your place. Enjoy your gardens, friends.

This article appears in the February-March 2016 issue of Augusta Magazine.

The post Seeds for Success appeared first on Augusta Magazine.

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