Derek Hogan’s blooming oasis on the corner of Seventh and New Hampshire streets began as a way to stay competitive.

“I knew I needed outdoor seating to compete and to distinguish myself from some of the other coffee shops in town,” says Hogan, who owns Java Break, 17 E. Seventh St. “I’m an aesthetic guy, and I like things to look nice, but I’m definitely not a gardener.

“So I hired Matt Fowler, who helped install the initial garden. I think it adds a lot to the business and looks great.”

He’s not the only one. In June, the Extension Master Gardeners of Douglas County named the Java Break and nine other Lawrence businesses winners of the 2004 Commercial Landscape Award for their enhancement of the community’s natural beauty.

The businesses were honored for planting and maintaining outstanding landscapes for the enjoyment of their patrons as well as the overall aesthetic appeal of passers-by.

The size and grandeur of landscaping endeavors at the businesses run the gamut. Some are gardens with thousands of dollars poured into them that were installed by professional crews. Others are the simpler efforts of a handful of employees with thin pocketbooks, a creative vision and some drive.

What the winning landscapes have in common — even a month and a half after the awards presentation and with the onset of summer’s dog days — is continuing appeal.

Maintaining that appeal is a group effort, Hogan says.

“The employees are really good about keeping it weeded and looking great,” he says. “The graveyard shift cleans up the cigarette butts every morning.”

Marilyn Dobski, left, co-owner of the Lawrence McDonald's franchise and landscaper Dave Hertzel look over some petunias in front of the McDonald's on Sixth Street. The business was one of 10 to receive the Commercial Landscape Awards by the Extension Master Gardeners of Douglas County.

Cooperative care is the rule at McDonald’s and the Dobski & Associates offices, 1309 W. Sixth St., as well.

“There is a watering can that is passed around the office, and each day it is a new someone’s turn to water,” says Marilyn Dobski, co-owner of the Lawrence McDonald’s franchise. “At the restaurants, the maintenance people or managers usually take on the watering responsibilities.”

Dobski says the bevy of petunias exploding around the restaurant and offices at Sixth and Michigan streets sprang from humble beginnings but have flourished at the hand of a professional landscaper.

The Java Break, 17 E. Seventh St., was among the Commercial Landscape Award winners. The awards recognized Lawrence businesses for their enhancement of the community's natural beauty.

“David Hertzel has been beautifying that area for us for around three seasons now,” she says. “He chooses the plants and colors and grows them in his greenhouse. The petunias are very hardy and last all season long. We try to do as much enhancing of the property as often as possible.”

All the businesses seem to agree that the awards were a wonderful and unexpected prize for their beautification efforts.

“The only reason we received the award is because of David’s efforts,” Dobski says. “But it really is an honor.”

So the next sunny afternoon when you zip past McDonald’s and are greeted with a profusion of blooming color, or you stroll past the Java Break to see its outdoor benches brimming with patrons admiring the hibiscus, roses and creeping phlox as they sip lattes, you can inhale a breath of scented air and be thankful some businesses are doing their part to beautify the community.