For 32 years, Lou Embery has lived at the corner of Oak Street and Durango in a home she and her husband, Frank, purchased from Basil Baker. Viewing her beautiful yard and garden area, one might, erroneously, conclude that a few people care for the yard and garden. Actually, Lou cares for her colorful weed-free yard and gardens alone. The Bristow Garden Club chose her yard as their July “Yard of the Month,” unaware that she was the sole gardener. Interestingly, Lou’s garden was honored once previously around 2003 by the garden club. Both times, they chose her yard for its beauty and order.
A colorful delight, Lou’s yard treats the eyes. Her fence line and yard contain several varieties of flowering plants, especially hibiscus and Knock Out roses. Frank gifted her those particular plants many years ago simply because she liked them.
In a loving gesture, Frank began buying her hibiscus plants after a friend first gave her one, and she liked it. She commented how beautiful they were and learned they came in a variety of colors. As a testament of his love, he purchased and gifted them to her for many occasions including anniversaries, birthdays, holidays, or because he thought she would enjoy them. He also gifted her different varieties of Knock Out roses for the same reasons and occasions.
Lou not only grows flowers but also vegetables and fruit. Her backyard garden to the west side of her home contains beets, grapes, peaches, cucumbers, squash, and more. Without even a minor hesitation, she stated that tomatoes are her favorite homegrown produce. When asked what she most enjoys about gardening, Lou quickly identified her favorite aspect as planting seeds and watching them grow, reminding her of the biblical stories of creation and principles of sowing seeds. She stated, “I enjoy seeing something come up and grow into something beautiful that you can eat and enjoy.”
In a fun twist to Lou’s yard being chosen for July, her best friend, Ona McNew, is actually a member of the Bristow Garden Club; however, Ona was not involved in choosing the club’s yard of the month honoree. Throughout our interview, the two women teased and joked with each other constantly. They laughed as much as they spoke, and their joy proved contagious. Despite numerous butterflies and hummingbirds being present, the incessant teasing and joyous laughter stole the show.
While discussing her gardens and flowering plants, a small butterfly repeatedly lingered near Lou, landing on her hair often. Lou jokingly stated that she had trained the butterfly over a few weeks, spending time with it each day. A few moments later, she said, “No, honestly, I spray honey on my hair. They love me because I’m so sweet.” Ona immediately joked that it was simply floating along on her winded speech. The joking spun wildly immediately thereafter, and everyone present could not help but to join in giggling along with the infectious laughter between the two. It was clear they had been close friends for quite some time.
In fact, Lou and Ona met one another at Rainbow while visiting family back in the early 2000s. They have been friends for nearly 20 years. At times, it became difficult to tell which garden was the greatest: the blooming flowers and veggies or the playfully beautiful friendship on display. The two have shared all of the emotions, sad and joyous times, travels, and crazy escapades. Lou said of Ona, “She’s a friend at all times. It’s not just that I need her or she needs me. We’re sisters.” Ona most loves that Lou “cracks up at all times. She just tells stuff off on you whether it’s wrong or right.” No sooner did the words leave Ona’s mouth than both of them erupted into exuberant laughter once again.
Sharing her parting thoughts on gardening between giggles, Lou shared, “I would like to encourage other people in their neighborhoods, wherever they may live, to start beautifying their yards with flowers and shrubs and plants like that because it helps the community, and it helps Bristow be a more beautiful place to live.”