Lovell’s blooming treasures: the Flower Ladies of Lovell

In Lovell, a group of dedicated residents are on a mission to beautify their community one lawn at a time. The Lovell Flower Ladies – a team of local volunteers – take pride in driving around town every few days during the summer, awarding a coveted sign reading, “Thanks For Keeping Lovell Beautiful” to the homeowner with the most well-maintained and visually appealing yard.

Among these dedicated individuals are 83-year-old twin sisters Phyllis Fringer and Phyrn Opp, more famously known as “The Doerr Twins” or as proud members of the group “Flower Ladies of Lovell,” and long-time members of the community.

“It’s all about the spirit and pride in our town,” said Phyrn, who has been involved with the program for decades. “When people see the streets and yards looking nice, it makes them want to come and live here.”

The yard sign usually rests in its chosen lawn for a few days before a new beautiful lawn is chosen to host the sign. All of the members of the Flower Ladies vote on the next lawn to host the honorary sign.

The program started back in the 1970s, with Phyrn and Phyllis getting involved in the 1980s, highlighting that this is a passion and pride project for the Flower Ladies.

“The whole goal of the program is to inspire your neighbor,” Phyrn said.

“Someone’s lawn is more than just a lawn; it’s a reflection on the town,” Phyllis added.

For decades, Phyllis and Phyrn have been the heart and soul behind some of Lovell’s most stunning gardens. Their passion for flowers and community spirit has not only brightened the town but also inspired others to take up gardening.

“It’s our way of giving back to the place we love,” Phyllis said, her eyes twinkling with the same youthful energy she has carried in her heart her whole life.

Their gardening journey began as a hobby but quickly grew into a mission to beautify Lovell.

“We wanted to make our town as lovely as it could be,” said Phyrn. “Flowers have a way of bringing joy to people. When you see a beautiful garden, it can brighten your whole day.”

Despite their age, Phyllis and Phyrn are out in their gardens almost every day, tending to their plants with the same care and precision they’ve always had. Their dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed. Many residents have expressed their admiration for the twins and their contribution to the town’s beauty.

“The Flower Ladies are an inspiration,” said a local  neighbor.

The twins’ efforts extend beyond their own yards. They frequently help neighbors and friends with their gardens, sharing their knowledge and passion for flowers.

“We believe in community,” Phyrn explained. “Gardening is something that can bring people together, and we’re always happy to help anyone who wants to learn.”

Phyllis and Phyrn have also been involved in several community projects aimed at enhancing Lovell’s public spaces. Their contributions have helped transform the town’s parks and public gardens into vibrant, welcoming places.

“It’s about making our community a better place,” said Phyrn. “When everyone pitches in, amazing things can happen.”

Phyllis and Phyrn, with the help of other community members, have transformed Lovell into a picturesque town adorned with beautiful flowers of all kinds, from roses to hollyhocks and sunflowers. Noble lawn ornaments, bird baths and feeders dot the landscapes, while screened-in front and back porches host pots and barrels full of flowers and life. Hanging porch and tire swings add a nostalgic charm, providing residents with peace and solace during the summer months. The sunshine gently kisses the flower petals as busy bumble bees flit from bloom to bloom, pollinating and adding to the vibrancy of the lawns of Lovell.

As the sun sets on another day in Lovell, the Flower Ladies prepare to move the coveted “Thanks For Keeping Lovell Beautiful” sign to a new home, hoping to inspire more residents to take pride in their properties and contribute to the town’s overall beauty. For Phyrn, Phyllis and the rest of the “flower girls,” it’s a labor of love – a way to bring the community together and showcase the best of small-town living.

“Each and every one of you can make Lovell beautiful,” Phyllis said with a smile. “That’s my message, and I’ll keep spreading it as long as I can.”

In Lovell, thanks to the efforts of Phyrn Opp and Phyllis Fringer and the rest of the Lovell Flower Ladies, the town is a little brighter, one petal at a time.