For years, I’ve enjoyed the beautiful hanging flower baskets set out downtown each spring. I used to see the water truck make the rounds to keep them thriving. Not so this year. The wilting and browning started early on, well before the stretch of 90-degree temperatures hit us. Last week, I came out of the parking garage to find a hanging basket completely brown. This week, it’s gone.
Hanging a beautiful flower basket at the front door welcomes my guest like nothing else. When I leave, I ask a friend or neighbor to care for it.
Has someone in city maintenance gone on vacation and forgotten to ask the neighbor to water the flowers?
According to the city of Vancouver website, Grounds Maintenance is understaffed. Undoubtedly, prioritizing tasks is difficult. It reads: “During dry summer periods, residents can expect that some areas will not be green due to the costs of irrigation and associated increased maintenance.”
But the hanging flower baskets? They are the welcome at the front door of our city — Esther Short Park, Vancouver Farmers Market, Hilton Vancouver Washington, and all around downtown. How embarrassing! Let’s take ’em down and do it right next year.
