When suspects are booked into the Barton County Jail by the Barton County sheriff’s deputies, they’ll finally get a chance to smell the flowers.
The sheriff’s property at Broadway and Kansas Ave. was in need of a massive makeover.
A cooperative effort by the Great Bend Beautification Committee and the Barton County Master Gardener program through the Barton County Extension office has dressed up the property at the sheriff’s office this week.    
Jean Brinlee, Barton County Master Gardener, volunteered to help the Great Bend Beautification Committee as a part of her service back to the community after completing the K-State Research and Extension Master Gardener Training program.
Jenni Carr, Barton County K-State Research and Extension agriculture agent, said she also got sweet talked into providing her professional expertise. Carr was more than happy to grab a shovel and go to work.
The Beautification Committee performs numerous local projects, including work at the Great Bend Public Library, Veterans Park and downtown planters.
“Those young ladies were hilarious and everyone had a great time,” she said. “It’s positive publicity and educational for all of the organizations. For us, it’s a good way to promote the Barton County Master Gardener program. It was a great experience to work on a project with the women. They get a lot done in a short time.”  
Members of the Great Bend Beautification Committee assisting were Mary Kummer, Dion Lupton, Linda Dougherty and June Hillman. Members of the Beautification Committee donated plants from their own gardens.
“It’s absolutely beautiful,” Carr said. “There will be yellows, oranges, pinks, lavenders, whites, bluish purples and reds along with the green foliage of the Hostas and sweet potato vines.”
Flowers donated included Iris, Rudbeckia, Phlox, Canna Bulbs, Yarrow, Dotted Gay feather, Bachelor Buttons, Chamomile and Chrysanthemum. The club members purchased Geranium, Portulaca, Salvia, Vinca, Zinnia, Hostas, Melampodium, Sweet Potato Vine, Lantana and Snapdragons.
“The sheriff’s department employees prepared the beds and are going to care for the flowers this summer,” Carr said.