(PHOTO PROVIDED / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
SEPTEMBER WINNER … Pictured is Kris Lowe (L), Bryan Development Board member, and award recipient, April Smith, of Bryan Parks & Recreation.
To recognize local investment in buildings, landscaping, events, and other improvements, Bryan Development has created a monthly “Spotlight Award.”
September’s recipient is April Smith and Bryan Parks & Recreation for planting, caring, and watering of the potted flowers around the downtown square this year.
April, who serves as the city’s horticulturist and arborist, has graciously added care of the downtown flowers to her work load. April’s work starts at the park’s greenhouse with planting seeds in February, so that the flower pots are filled with colorful pansies by late March/early April.
When the weather heats up, April swaps out the pansies to the more heat loving summer annuals. Now, as it starts to cool down, the larger pots will be getting mums.
Of course, planting is only a small part of the process. Fertilizing, watering, pinching, deadheading, pruning, and monitoring for pests are important as well. In additional to all that – the pots are rotated once a month.
Pots on the north side get moved to the east, east pots go to the south side, etc. This helps the plants grow more evenly. April keeps extra flowering baskets available to swap out for any stressed flowers, so that everything on the square looks it’s best all summer long.
April’s assistant, Natalie Timbrook (a Fairview High School senior and part time Parks & Rec employee) has been a big help this summer. Natalie or April water the plants every morning from May until October, seven days a week! April is very thankful for Natalie’s help, as well the support of Kris Lowe, board member of Bryan Development.
Bryan Fire Department is credited for allowing the flower ladies to fill their watering tank at the Fire House. Dues income from Bryan Development help pay for the many supplies, but without the help of April, Natalie, Kris, Bryan Parks & Rec, and the Bryan Fire Department, we wouldn’t have such a beautiful display!
Bryan Development’s mission is to enrich the community by encouraging economic activity, preservation and community pride. The BD presents the Spotlight Award to a resident, business, industry, or institution that has invested in new construction, preservation, restoration or beautification efforts, in Bryan.
Spotlight Award recipients are recognized by Bryan Development with a plaque and through social media and local news outlets. The community is encouraged to submit Spotlight Award Nominations at developbryan@gmail.com.