Going to the courthouse in any town can be an intimidating experience. Navigating bureaucracy, or maybe showing up for a court date isn't everyone's idea of fun. But in Coshocton, Ohio (a first time America in Bloom participant in 2010), the municipal judge has done something that makes people want to come to the courthouse. He has planted extensive gardens there.

Early in the morning, you can find Judge Tim France outside, his red pickup truck filled with all the necessities - a wheelbarrow, shovels, rakes, sometimes flats of plants or buckets of bulbs. His cheery floral displays have made the courthouse grounds a popular destination. There are benches and even a gazebo where people can sit and enjoy the surroundings. Some people even have their wedding photos taken there. Judge France has wisely invested in all kinds of perennials, and as they spread, he divides them to start more garden spaces around the courthouse.


On occasions when he needs help, the judge offers people the opportunity to work off fines by helping in the garden, and even negotiates with the local sheriff to allow “trustees” to be released from prison for a few hours to help out with the landscaping. The result is the people enjoy being outside and contributing to something larger than themselves. The resulting pride is evident when they bring family and friends back to the courthouse square to show them what they have accomplished.



Judge France is also a Master Gardener. He often exchanges perennials with city residents to broaden the number of species in the courthouse flower display. Judge France, you are a HORTICULTURAL HERO!