Letter: Thanks to all who supported the downtown flower pots

Icon viewers:

We at Stratton Greenhouses would like to thank everyone who participated in the 2011 Bluffton Beautification Project. Because of your generous contributions, we were able to add five additional pots to extend the flowers throughout the entire streetscape project.

This year has been an extreme challenge with the heat. We have been watering every other day since May and fertilizing once or twice a week. We have used 6,300 gallons of water.

As we look ahead to next year, we are already considering the possibilities. Some may ask why we use only petunias. When weather is such an unknown factor and the pots are in full sun most of the day, petunias are the most controllable.

In the solid colored pots we used Steve's favorite, Purple Tidal Waves and in the mixed pots we used Susie's favorites, Vista Bubblegum and Razzleberry Mix.

So many people have commented on the plantings at the Post Office. Those are Plum Vein Waves with Serena Angelonia Mix.

Stop by and see us, we have a great selection of plants to take you into the fall season.

Be sure to say "Thank you!" to the following people/businesses who make the flowers on Main St. possible:

Robin's Massage Therapy, Ropp & Mary Emma Triplett, Smith's Realty, Don & Romaine Pannabecker, Joanne Niswander,

Jayne & Dick McGarrity, Dave & Linda Sycks, Lorrinda Smith, David Warren, Et Cetera Shop, Owen & Mary Yoder, Joan Bauman, Dr. & Betty Huss, Jeff & Becky Ramey,

Bluffton Public Library Friends, Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce, Dwight & Clara Beth Bixel, Janette & Sam Reineke, Shannon Service Club, Ed Reichenbach, Colonial Surface Solutions,

Diamond Manufacturing, Richard & Ruth Johnson, Don & Nancy Schweingruber, Don & Dima Snyder, Durand Dudley, Roger & Jo Edwards, Jordan Diller Insurance,

Dan Fultz, Mennonite Mutual Aid Society, Geneva & Luther Shetler, The Food Store, Jerry & Irene Althaus, Kevin & Debbie Mohr, Ron & Marilyn Heldman, Robert Neff & Assoc., Everett Collier Post Office, Bluffton University.

We would also like to thank Tom Heimann and Bill McKibben, as well as our son, Jeff and his group of friends, who volunteered to water the plants on Saturday mornings or late nights when we were not available. (Plants don't take time off)

Thank you!

Susie and Steve Stratton
Stratton Greenhouses