Courtesy photo Shane Tufts of Rochester Public Works Buildings and Grounds Crew and Jeff Meulenboek of Studley's load up the last two barrels planted by Rochester Main Street Design Committee volunteers for placement throughout downtown.
Those planter they're moving are SIPs (aka "self-watering planters"). The significant fact is that they did the conversion to sub-irrigation themselves. The planters didn't come that way. It's just a small step but it's great to see this knowledge slowly spreading.
If our taxpayer supported institutions won't provide up-to-date information we will have to do it ourselves until such time as we force them to change. It will happen. There are obstructionists out there who should be retired or fired.
via www.fosters.com
Volunteers from the Design Committee at Rochester Main Street have partnered with Studley's Flower Gardens and Rochester Public Works to provide colorful barrels throughout the downtown area.
The volunteers spent the last two months choosing a new style of barrel (bronze look terra cotta) and building them into "self-watering" planters. This new planter requires less maintenance time as there is a built in water reservoir and wicking system that feeds the plants slowly.
When all was ready, the volunteers gathered for a "Weed and Wine" to plant the 16 barrels and then adjourned for some socialization. "Weed and Wine" will occur several times throughout the summer as they tackle different areas that are in need of some care. If you would like to help out then contact the office at 330-3208 or e-mail director@rochestermainstreet.org to get on the list! No dues, no fees, just some old clothes, a sense of humor and community spirit are required.
Main Street volunteers raised the funds to purchase, construct and plant the barrels, while Studley's Flower Gardens helped provide plants, space for planting and a greenhouse area to give them a head start. Rochester Public Works helped by placing the barrels and will water as needed during the season. In addition to the barrels the Design Committee is also sponsoring a downtown business plantings and planters contest to bring some more color to downtown businesses on North Main Street are already sporting planters and the Design Committee will be watching those and also the landscaping work in other areas of downtown.
It's not too late to register your grounds or planters, just call or e-mail the office and you can be eligible for a "Downtown Bloomer" Plaque or certificate if you are a winner. Winners will be announced in September and receive their "Bloomer" award along with a photo and press release. The mission of Rochester Main Street is working together to make Rochester a destination and a source of pride.
For more information on the Rochester Main Street Program, or to volunteer, donate, or make suggestions, contact their office by calling 330-3208 or e-mail at director@rochestermainstreet.org.
That is so amazing! That's awesome that they have all the volunteers to do that!
Posted by: meemsnyc | July 25, 2010 at 01:38 AM