Some say it is a rough world and a certain amount of toughnessis needed to make it in life.

However, that will not stop 1,500 pansies from lining thewalkways in Brookhaven’s downtown district.

People darting from shop to shop will pass the Lincoln CountyMaster Gardeners’ newest project – arrays of purple and yellowflowers in planters along the sidewalks in downtown.

“It really helps keep downtown look neat,” said Master GardenerHomer Richardson. “It makes you want to come downtown; you don’tfeel like you’re in a big parking lot.”

The project, a collaboration between the masters gardeners andBrookhaven Beautiful, began Friday as six gardeners began cleaningout the old annuals and perennials, pouring soil and plantingpansies in the planters around town.

“Master gardeners love to play in dirt,” joked Will Womack,downtown planter committee chairman. “We do volunteer work toenhance the city and county that we live in.”

The weekend project, which included pouring one ton of soil, isone of several service projects the master gardeners have completedthis year.

While most gardeners enjoy the beautification projects, theyalso help members retain their certification.

To be a master gardener, members are required to becomecertified through a Mississippi State University Extension Servicecourse and complete 40 hours of volunteer service within one yearof their training.

“Most of us wind up with over 100 hours a year easily,” saidRichardson.

Many members especially enjoy keeping up the appearance ofdowntown, an area some gardeners think many cities have lost.

“It makes people think the community cares,” said KayeKaberlein, master gardener. “This one does.”