Theresa Vickery, of Marianna, Florida, works in a container garden at a downtown pocket park

Softening the Look

My buddy Mickey is this project’s on-site coordinator. He keeps volunteers’ spirits up as they work on all kinds of tasks, liking planting plants to soften the park’s look.

That’s not my strong suit, but it is Victor’s wife, Theresa’s, talent.

She makes sure we have low-maintenance, drought-resistant plants for this Northwest Florida region. Theresa knows where to position the plants and directs volunteers on where to place everything.


Purple and gold shade sail, seen over a pocket park in Marianna, Florida

Installing Shade Sail

We top this pocket park with purple-and-gold shade sails, which have special meaning because they are Marianna High School’s colors. Go Bulldogs!

Town pride aside, shade sail also prevents the park’s visitors from being completely exposed to the sun, perfect for particularly sunny days.

Besides that little chore, there are also lots of other details that need to be handled so we can get this park ready to open up to the public.


“Today’s Homeowner” host Danny Lipford installs cafe lights in a pocket park in downtown Marianna, Florida

Finishing Touches

This pocket park in my hometown is nearing completion, with dozens and dozens of plants going into the nine different planters on the site.

And of course, those plants need water, so we’re also camouflaging the plumbing with pavers.

Finally, to illuminate this park after dark, we hang over 500 feet of cafe lights.

Before we park the heavy equipment, we bring in the picnic tables to fill in the park space and get it ready for the grand opening.


“Today’s Homeowner” hosts Danny Lipford and Chelsea Lipford Wolf, seen at the ribbon-cutting ceremony of a pocket park in Marianna, Florida

Symbol of Hope

Now, an empty lot that once was a bad reminder of a bad time has become a symbol of hope.

Besides adding some greenery and tranquility to the middle of town, this little park also serves as a testament to what people can overcome and accomplish when they work together.


Other Tips From This Episode

Joe creates a workbench out of a folding table.Simple Solutions
An Easy Way to Make Your Work Table Taller
Decora dimmer by LevitonBest New Product
Control Lighting Anywhere With This Smart Dimmer

Editorial Contributors
avatar for Danny Lipford

Danny Lipford

Founder

Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

Learn More