MERCHANTS PLANT A SPLASH OF COLOR

Flower power has arrived at Riverfront Park thanks to the Downtown Merchants Association. Many annuals and perennials have been added to set off the Broadway and Themis streets floodgates.

"People are wanting to see more color now," said Karen Cain of the association. "We want a big splash of color at the gates. That makes a good first impression for visitors. It's amazing the number of people who come down here night and day."

She said that in the past shrubberies were emphasized rather than flowers along the grounds of the floodwall.

In May, geraniums were planted near the floodgates. Accu-Grow planted the flowers, along with several rose bushes and weeping spruces.

"We hope to plant spring-flowering bulbs, perhaps tulips and daffodils, in the same beds this fall," Cain added.

The landscaping project was started two years ago. The Downtown Merchants Association is spearheading the drive.

Dennis "Doc" Cain, past president of the association, said: "We hope this project will be ongoing through the years. We will plant annuals again next year."

Funding comes primarily from the association, which raised over $11,000 early this year with a Mardi Gras party and benefit auction. Additional funding came from proceeds of the Pub Crawl, sponsored by Griffins, Jeremiah's, Broussard's, Ragsdale's, Billiards Center and Port Cape Girardeau. Private contributions were made by Lauchette Low, Maxine Zickfield, Marsha Clark and the Cains.

The flowers near the gates are complemented by more than 30 ornamental pear trees planted along the floodwall by the Main Street Levee District Board. They replace some older trees that were removed.

The First Presbyterian Church planted many roses, bushes and trees this spring in the vacant lot it owns at Spanish Street and Broadway, adding another oasis of color.

"Doc" Cain said the downtown planting project is the result of a cooperative effort among the Downtown Merchants Association members. He indicated the group is growing, adding new members monthly.

"A lot of things are happening here," he said. "We have this plantscaping, the new mural, the new pavilion and new shops moving in. Downtown is very much alive and well."