Lewes in Bloom plantings beautify town

Lewes in Bloom is putting the finishing touches on its various gardens and planters around town.

After a shaky start thanks to the pandemic and Mother Nature, all annuals are finding their homes for the summer.

Small groups of dedicated volunteers practicing safe distancing and wearing masks have been planting in more than 20 locations. The work started in late April with volunteers planting seedlings at the Lewes in Bloom warehouse.

Because of COVID-19, most orders for more mature plants used in many of the planters and gardens had to be canceled, and members have been nurturing the young plants so they could gain size and vigor.

An additional issue this year was irrigation. In spite of plentiful rain in May, early June turned out to be hot and dry. Irrigation around town was not turned on until early June. Several locations that do not have irrigation were planted and volunteers have been spending several hours a week watering them. This year, new self-watering planters were installed in the shopping district on Second Street. These planters will cut down the number of times the plants must be watered throughout the month.

By the end of June, all locations should be planted, including the lampposts along Second Street. Lewes is blooming once again.