by TaLeiza Calloway – news@thenewsleaders.com
Beauty will return to the city’s downtown with the return of hanging flower baskets along Minnesota Street and College Avenue.
St. Joseph resident Margy Hughes told city council members March 7 that more baskets will be available this year with plans to have them up by Memorial Day. After discovering vivid flower baskets in the city of Red Wing, Carol Theisen brought the idea of adding similar baskets in St. Joseph. The venture started last year with the purchase of 30 baskets. This year, 50 baskets will be available for purchase and on display this summer.
Organizers are working with Thomsens Greenhouse and Garden Center of St. Joseph to provide the flowers for the baskets this year. Hughes said they ordered an additional 10 brackets that will be added along the designated streets. Their goal is the beautification of the downtown area, she said.
“We just wanted to add more,” Hughes said. “They look(ed) so nice and we thought we didn’t have that many going north on College Avenue or west on Minnesota.”
Businesses, local service organizations and individuals can purchase a flower basket at the cost of $150 for a full basket and $75 for half of a flower pot. Individuals can purchase a pot in honor of someone and or in memory of a loved one. Hughes also said those who purchased baskets previously will be contacted to see if they would like to continue their support of the project. Then, donor applications will be sent to them. Those supporting the project through donations will be featured in a paid advertisement in the St. Joseph Newsleader.
For more information about purchasing flower baskets, call Theisen at 320-249-7676.
