Wimberley post office receives award

Last week, the president of Keep Wimberley Beautiful, Lin Weber, presented an award to Wimberley’s Post Office for their gardens and landscaping.

On hand to accept the award was Postmaster Kim McElveen.

“We’re so pleased to receive this award and proud to be a part of such a wonderful place as Wimberley,” McElveen said.

“The award is given to a business or property that has clearly beautified our town,” Weber explained. “Initially, KWB presented the award quarterly. Then COVID-19 hit and everyone took a break.”

“After last year’s ice storm in February, there was so much damage to landscaping around town that KWB did not present the award,” she continued. “Finally, after property owners have had a chance to clean up and spring rains have arrived, Wimberley looks beautiful again, and we’re pleased to present the award to the Wimberley Post Office.”

The gardens span the length of the southern- f a c i ng limestone building on Joe Wimberley Boulevard. Designed and planted by the late Bonnie Dee, a Master Gardener, professional landscaper and tireless Keep Wimberley Beautiful volunteer, the gardens showcase native and adapted plants in an informal, natural- looking design.

Known as “the Flower Girl,” Dee passed away in 2021. Her legacy includes the bluebonnets and wildflowers that are a signature component of Wimberley’s downtown.

“People tell me that when they see the season’s first bluebonnets out front, they know spring is on the way to the Hill Country,” said McElveen, who is known to help maintain the gardens with watering and other tasks.

Founded by Martha Knies approximately eight years before Wimberley incorporated as a city in 2000, Keep Wimberley Beautiful has been performing many crucial community services.

Among other things, the group sponsors bulk trash pickup, Shred-it Day, Drug Take-Back Day, seasonal decorations on the RR 12 bridge and seeding projects for future tree planting. A downtown park bearing her name was dedicated in 2021.