Salute Your Community Gardeners

By Phran Novelli

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - This week you may spot tidy gardens you normally pass by without noticing that someone took the time to plant something so nice…until they plant a few flags there to herald the Fourth of July.

In small curbside plantings and traffic triangles, and around many community war memorials, you'll find very pleasant plantings often in patriotic red, white, and blue (or as close to those hues as Nature allows, since the palette of blue flowers is pretty narrow).

Many of these garden spots are tended by people you never see; who come to plant and weed and water as volunteers. They do it out of the goodness of their hearts, in tribute to fallen heroes, in memory of family members, or out of simple pride and patriotism.

So, as you celebrate Independence Day and pass by those pretty flowers waving along with the stars and stripes, give a nod of thanks to all those who've served to keep us free, and also, the unsung helpers who tend these gardens in honor of our liberty.