Pot Tarts: Transforming Ordinary Flowerpots into Extraordinary Art!
Have you ever explored downtown Tipp City and taken notice of the magnificent flowerpots that adorn the walkways? Maybe you’ve thought to yourself, “Who maintains and creates these floral masterpieces?” Meet Kathy Skinner, an ambassador for the Master Gardener Program as well as contributing as a member of the Design Committee for the Downtown Tipp City Partnership.
What all goes into the Flowerpots?
Every season, Kathy and four of her friends re-envision the flowerpots with themed flora, transforming downtown Tipp City to help welcome the changes in weather. Once a month, Kathy gets together with like-minded plant enthusiasts to brainstorm how to improve the pots even further in the future. When the pots are fully constructed, the city then maintains and waters them throughout the season to ensure their beauty doesn't fade.
What other events and projects are part of the Master Gardener Program?
It may come as a surprise to you when it comes to the variety of events that are only possible through the program. Just a few examples include:
Conducting plant clinics to help teach you on how to medicate and diagnose problems in your home garden.
Helping homeowners beautify their yards before the ‘Tippecanoe and Christmas Too’ event.
Hosting their annual Garden tour, where six to eight different houses have the opportunity to show off their greenery creations.
Students in Piqua help shape the cultural Native American garden, and as a tasty reward, they can collect their crops at the end of the season.
All of the produce from the Victory Garden next to the Upper Valley Medical Center is donated to the local food pantry.
They also feature a Winter pruning school where you can learn how to care for and prepare your plants for the harsh winter temperatures, as well as many other insightful projects.
How can I get involved?
Members of the community can contribute to the beautification of Tipp City by sponsoring one or more of the 15 different pots of plants downtown. You can email the partnership at info@downtowntippcity.org to donate.
If you want to join the Master Gardener Program, call the OSU extension office and ask for Amanda Bennett (937-440-3945) or email her directly at bennett.709@osu.edu.
Be sure to support the Downtown Lowdown, the official podcast of the Downtown Tipp City Partnership. Subscribe today – the podcast is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts!
