It is rare, indeed, for the Lawrence area to reach mid-August as “green” as it is right now, with moisture totals running six and seven inches above normal for the year. The added rainfall has had its disadvantages, and there are some who may be cursing this turn of events because of flooding and concern about crops.

But for lawn and garden enthusiasts, it would be difficult to cite a more productive time. Once again, one of the highlights of the summer has been the wide range of colors, shapes and textures in floral landscapes arranged by the city of Lawrence horticulture department managed by the imaginative Crystal Miles.

Any city prefers to have attractive entryways not only for residents who come and go, but for visitors who see such things every day. Two such gems this year are located at 23rd and Massachusetts streets and at Sixth Street and Rockledge Road. The moist weather has done much to enhance their beauty, but the locations have been showcases for the city for many years. It’s just that it’s so rare to have them gleaming so brightly this late in the summer.

There are a number of other delights for sightseers, including many spots in the downtown area. And all these reflect the leadership of Miles, who works with five other full-time horticulturists and about nine or 10 summertime employees.

There is no set pattern to the plantings. Miles gives the various workers the option of designing their own displays. Each spot has the kind of personal touch that adds to the allure.

Local residents too often tend to get caught up in what they don’t like about city functions and operations and overlook the many positive results that come out of City Hall.

One of these, as usual, is the marvelous array of horticulture inventiveness that so brightens the community. The unusually wet weather has been an unexpected boon, but the Lawrence horticulture group has been creating visual delights for the community for a long time. Seldom has there been a better example of their handiwork than we have this year.