The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
They’ve got green thumbs
Housing authority holds award ceremony for flower planters
The Lorain Metropolitan Housing Authority’s Green Thumb Program celebrated the people who have been busy planting all season.
“We are holding an awards ceremony of sorts to recognize the hard work these people put into making their communities beautiful,” said Shelly Hill, owner of Garden of Thoughts and subcontractor for the program, which features plants being planted and cared for at various locations throughout the county. “The housing authority brought me in to teach the gardening skills and help run the program. It has really been great to see the work everyone has done.”
Hill said the program began in March and recently concluded at the end of the season.
“We have planters place an order and the plants are delivered to them,” she said. “The plants come in a variety of perennials, annuals, vegetables and herbs. The plants are then planted in various high-rises, signs, scatter sights and vegetable gardens in the county.”
Hill said the program then has judges traveling to each site to grade how well the planters did.
“They have a set of criteria that they look at to determine the top planters,” she said. “This includes grading on deadheading, which is the process of removing the spent flower from the plant, and they also look how they are planted and watered. Everyone in the program should be proud of the work they did. The program teaches them a valuable skill and gives them some exercise. It also makes areas around the county look much better.”
Kathryn Brenner of Lorain said the program has kept her busy.
“I’ve been working at home and planting for the sign at the Westgate Gardens (2943 N. Leavitt Road) in Lorain, she said. “I always have a fun time planting. I also learned a new technique this year. I take rocks that surround the soil the plants are in. It creates a much better look and adds another dimension to the plant.”
Linda Conaway of Lorain won in categories of vegetable garden and sign.
“I planted the sign for Leavitt Homes (2153 Lorain Drive),” she said. “I also planted the vegetable garden on Lorain Drive. I’m shocked that I won. There are so many good contestants, so I’m glad to get noticed.”
Daniel Henderson of Lorain was part of the group that won for high-rise planting.
“We did the planting at Lakeview Plaza (310 W. Seventh St.),” he said. “I’m really proud of how everyone worked. We planted 300 flowers over there, and it really turned out nice. We also received a lot of help from city council, so I appreciate that. The end result shows what happens when hard work pays off.”