Story by Monty Siekerman
There are two things about the beautiful home at 602 S. Johnson that you notice when you drive by. First, whoever lives there has good taste. The plantings seem to be the right sizes, in the right places, not overdone or understated. Secondly, how does all of this happen when you seldom see anyone gardening there?

Meet Karlen Waugh who lives in the big, yellow house with his two children, Mason, a freshman at ONU, and Alexis, a sophomore at Ada High School.  The home recently received an Outstanding Beautification Award from Keep Hardin County Beautiful. 

Several years ago, a visit to Mackinaw Island, with its numerous flower beds, inspired Karlen and Alexis to garden at home. And, that they have done in the 11 years they have lived at the South Johnson address. The two-story home, one of the oldest in town, is known locally as the Darlington House since that is where Dean Darlington and his wife raised their big family about 50 years ago. (Small towns are that way, the houses are known for past owners, especially if the homeowners made an impact in the community.)

While working at Central Ohio Farmers Co-Op in Kenton, Karlen received word of the beautification award when his son Mason emailed a picture of the sign that had been placed in the front yard of the home at the corner of Johnson and College Ave. The inspiration from Mackinaw Island gardens, the 11 years of experimenting with what plants go where according to sunshine and height, was recognized by the county organization. 

The home has been substantially remodeled on the inside since the Darlington days, but care was taken to maintain the historic aspects of the place.

The yard, too, has been enhanced, starting with 40 tons of good soil put down. The good earth, plants in pots, and loads of mulch make the gardening efficient, as well.

And, Karlen admits, he does garden late in the day because of his work in Kenton and needing supper before he gets his green thumb dirty in the yard. He may not keep his garden maintained by using a flashlight at night, but that’s pretty close to the reality. In any case, the yard is worth a drive by it to see what can be accomplished with a little inspiration and time.