BLOOMIN' ANNAPOLIS
Every spring since 1998 the Streets of Annapolis burst into bloom with beautiful hanging flower baskets and overflowing flower pots that have become a hallmark of the City. This program took root in 1997 when Homestead Gardens owner, Don Riddle, Steve Samaras, and other downtown business owners successfully lobbied the city council to allow this urban beautification project. The flowers are a major contributor to the ambiance of Annapolis and one of the reasons it was named one of the ten most beautiful cities in America by Forbes magazine.The Annapolis Hanging Basket program is one of the finest in the nation, and has been used as a model by other cities and municipalities looking to launch their own beautification efforts. In the past ten years, since its inception, the program has nearly doubled in size, spreading down West Street, over the Spa Creek Bridge, and down Maryland Avenue.Funding for the program has always been a private- public joint venture between the City of Annapolis, its businesses and the community. However, a poor economy for the past two years has forced these contributors to scale down their yearly donation, but not their support and enthusiasm.
In a few weeks, over 200 hanging baskets and oversized flower pots will again adorn our City streets and Spa Bridge thanks to our friends in Eastport. The fundraising effort kicks into full swing to cover costs which include the flowers, installation and maintenance. Every night from May to October between 3am-6am, a two man team must water, weed and care for the baskets and pots. It adds up to 150 nights. We are also faced with the cost of replacing many of the hanging baskets themselves as well as the hardware after 11 years of use.
Something to be Proud of...
Annapolis is 1 of 20 “Picture-Perfect Towns”
The City of Annapolis was selected by Forbes Traveler Magazine as one of America’s prettiest towns for the 2nd year in a row.(10-19-09)In its October issue, Greg Melville, co-author of 101 Best Outdoor Towns writes that "Annapolis is somehow able to maintain ties to its historic colonial and maritime past without seeming hokey," adding, it is "perhaps the East's most romantic town."
Greg Melville explains the criteria he used in making his choices:
“Each of these places is among the most picturesque (in the country)-whether it's the natural surroundings, the architecture, or more likely a combination of the two.”
To view a complete list of these towns, click here
