Dear Editor,

Now that our growing season has come to an end, I would like to let you know some things about Nederland’s Downtown Development Authority (DDA) flower program. My name is Judy Evans and I have the good fortune of being Nederland’s town gardener.

Our gardens currently include 24 flower pots and containers (including the Pedestrian Bridge containers), the Veteran’s Memorial Bed and seven new annual and perennial beds (including the traffic circle). The new beds were very successful and we enjoyed their beauty all summer. For example, the “snapdragon beds” at Kathmandu Plaza and the two stone perennial beds at the B&F entrance.

Some of the flower pots in town did not experience the same success and did not thrive as they should have. Turns out there was a fungal growth in the soil, which resulted from the reservoir water system found in each pot. To correct this, the soil and reservoir systems have been removed. The pots will sit empty over winter and get a fresh start in the Spring.

The traffic circle was planted with a variety of annuals and 30 perennials. The perennials grew as expected for their first year and in a couple more years the circle should be a full, flower garden! And finally, the Pedestrian Bridge had several restorations this summer, so the boxes could not be planted. The old flower boxes have been replaced and the flowers will return next summer.

I have had such a good time, as the town gardener and am grateful for the opportunity. In addition to the fun of gardening, I have experienced so much appreciation from the public. Locals and visitors alike had a lot to say about how much they liked the flowers and that it was a very positive image for the town. To be continued in 2024. Happy hibernating!

Thank you,

Judy Evans

Nederland