The Colusa Barrel Brigade did what they and Griff’s Feed and Seed said they would do.
Volunteers returned the flower barrels the city purchased last year with COVID-19 funds back to the sidewalks, this time with a promise from barrel sponsors to take care of them.
“Time will tell,” said Patty Hickel, who organized the event after the city’s plants died last year from neglect, and the barrels were removed.
Close to 40 barrels have been sponsored, which allowed Griff’s to plant a variety of annuals and perennials, and place a plaque on each barrel with the sponsor’s name.
Anyone who would still like to have a barrel of flowers in front of their business can contact Clancy Seaver at Griff’s to participate.
“There are still plenty of barrels, so we will not run out,” Hickel said.
About 10 volunteers gathered at the city’s public yard on April 20 to help get the barrels planted, and Colusa Public Works loaded them on the trailer and put them on the sidewalks the following day.
The sponsor’s responsibility will be to water and care for the flowers through the summer, although Hickel and volunteers will keep a close watch on them.
Hickel said she is going around this week to remind sponsors about watering and care, and to answer any questions or concerns.
“I also want to make sure we placed them in the right location,” she said. “If not, we will move them.”
Currently, the barrel brigade does not have a schedule for checking the flowers. Volunteers are expected to check on the plants 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.
“We are all out and about every day and if we see one that needs attention, we will address it then,” Hickel said.
The flowers have been fertilized and are not likely to need extraordinary care.
Hickel said that if sponsors have difficulty keeping their plants looking well, they can contact Griff’s for advice or try to diagnose the problem by looking on the internet.
Barrels are likely to be removed if the plants suffer severe dehydration or death.
“I am thinking positive that the business owner is going to take some pride and care in this activity and will take the bull by the horns and take care of the flowers on their own,” Hickel said. ■