The Alva Garden Council, consisting of the Tulip Garden Club and the Petunia Garden Club, is excited to announce that Max and Jane McDermott's business, McDermott & Associates insurance services, is selected as Blooming Business of the Month for October. McDermott & Associates is located at 526 Flynn, Alva.

Top left: Jane McDermott poses with the Blooming Business of the Month sign amid her beautiful decorations and flowers of sweet potato vine and mums. Bottom left: Sweet potato vine and a pumpkin greet customers. Right: Sweet potato vine, asparagus fern and spikes adorn the front of McDermott & Associates insurance company in downtown Alva.

Jane McDermott said she was honored that their business was selected as she takes great pride in making it a beautiful and relaxing location. "I want to do my part to make our downtown area look inviting to those who come our way," she said.

Bench seating is available for customers to relax and enjoy the flowers and decorations.

"I got the idea of my hanging baskets when visiting Victoria Canada, waiting to board a ship to Alaska," she said. "They had light poles similar to ours with beautiful hanging baskets. The flower purslane is the most hardy for our Oklahoma weather. It comes in red and yellow, my favorite colors for the Rangers and Goldbugs."

McDermott also enjoys decorating the area for the different seasons.

"My love of flowers is a gift from my mother," she said. "I think she had a permanent green thumb. They remind me of her and her love."

Other special plants in the beautiful pots include hibiscus, sweet potato vine, asparagus fern, geraniums and pansies for winter. McDermott enjoys the convenience of purchasing a wide variety of flowers locally.