The City of Colusa, Griff’s Feed and Seed, and a volunteer group called the “Barrel Brigade” have teamed up to restore color in the downtown.
Volunteers have been working with the local plant supplier to return the city’s wine barrel planters, which were purchased last summer, to Market, Main, Fifth, and Fremont streets, but need a little help from local businesses.
Colusa volunteer Patti Hickel is spearheading the project, and has been contacting businesses to sponsor three different plantings, so the barrels can be returned to Colusa sidewalks.
“If a business wishes to have a planter placed in front of their business, they will be responsible for the cost of planting and watering, as needed,” Hickel said, in presenting the program to the City Council on March 1. “Each business that wants to participate will be billed directly by Griff’s.”
For $75 a year, businesses can receive a wine barrel with either a topiary tree that is low maintenance and low water (best in sets of two at business entrances) or a wine barrel with perennial grass and small annuals for a splash of color. For $125 annually, businesses can sponsor the “Big Wow,” which is an upgraded option of the perennial, with two changes from summer annuals to fall/winter blooms, with bulbs for a spring bloom.
Once businesses agree to participate, Hickel will organize volunteers to fill the barrels and plant the topiary tree or flowers, and Colusa Public Works staff will deliver and place the barrels at their permanent sites.
“The businesses will be asked to water them,” Hickel said. “City staff is very, very limited and it’s difficult for them to get around regularly, and spend a couple of hours watering. So, I’m going to ask the businesses to do that. If they do not want to do that, then we will not place (a barrel) in front of them.”
Volunteers will check on the planters periodically to see if they are being cared for, including weeding and deadheading.
If additional care is needed, volunteers will work with the businesses to make sure the planter is presentable.
“My goal is to kind of brighten up the downtown,” Hickel said. “I spoke to some business people last year, and they seemed to have liked it last year. So, I thought I would give it a try.”
Forms can be obtained by Hickel or at City Hall and must be returned to Griff’s Feed and Seed by March 25.
“I love the idea, and I think this is a bargain,” said City Councilwoman Denise Conrado. “This is a wonderful community effort.”
While Hickel is not soliciting or accepting donations directly, community members can donate to the City of Colusa to help with special care or replanting costs. ■
Publisher’s Note: It is unclear if the cost of an annual sponsorship is equal to the actual cost to provide the barrels and flowers. The Pioneer Review is attempting to establish if a private business can profit from the use of public property.