City renews contract for downtown flowers

The city of Columbus has renewed a contract with a local business to help plant and maintain flowers in the downtown area next year.

The Columbus Board of Works on Tuesday renewed an agreement with Becky’s Flowers, 1505 McCullough Lane, Columbus, for $31,625 to plant flowers along Washington Street that also includes hanging baskets at Fourth, Fifth and Sixth streets. Flowers will also be planted at Columbus City Hall and the MIA-POW Plaza near the Bartholomew County Courthouse, according to the agreement.

The city has used Becky’s Flowers for at least five years, said Mary Ferdon, executive director of administration and community development. The owner of the company, Becky Church, will be responsible for maintenance that includes the design, plant installation, watering, weeding, fertilizing, grooming and clean-up, according to the agreement.

Money being paid to Becky’s Flowers will come out of the city’s Streetscape fund, Ferdon said.