The year-long Tricentennial celebration of our beloved Natchez is finally here!

The year 2016 should be an exceptionally busy and exciting time for all of us.

In an effort to make Natchez especially beautiful this year, Garden Lovers of Natchez, a member of The Garden Club of America, is sponsoring a project to hang baskets full of colorful flowers on the lamp posts throughout downtown.

Anyone who has been to Fairhope, Ala., knows just how spectacular a display this can be. Arrangements have already been made for the city to water the baskets, and the Garden Lovers will oversee the planting and hanging of them. The baskets and brackets will all be made of steel, so they should hold up for many years to come. It is our intention to redo the baskets at least each spring and, if possible, to re-plant them each fall.

Now, all we need is a little financial help from those of you who would like to see this project come to fruition. Each basket plus the bracket to hold it will cost approximately $150, excluding the flowers. The more baskets we are able to hang, the bigger impact the display will make.

Any individual, business or organization wishing to support this project by buying a complete installation ($150) will be listed on a plaque. If you want to donate as a memorial or a gift in someone’s name, this can be done as well. (I know what I’m asking for my birthday this year.) Of course, any donation, small or large, will be greatly appreciated!

Should you have any questions, please contact me at 601-807-0568. To make a donation, mail your check to Garden Lovers of Natchez, 58 Duncan Ave., Natchez, MS 39120. Please specify that it is for the Hanging Basket Fund and the name and address of anyone you wish to honor, so we can notify them. All donations are tax deductible.

So many people have already given their time and talents to making all the events for this coming year wonderful for Natchez. It is my hope that each Natchezian who loves Natchez as I do, will contribute in some way to our beautiful, historic city’s birthday celebration. Helping the Garden Lovers in its endeavor to make Natchez a spectacular visual delight that will “awe” its visitors, could be just your way. Let’s all pitch in and give Natchez a birthday present that will adorn her for years to come!

 

Marcia McCullough is chairman of the Hanging Basket Fund for the Garden Lovers of Natchez