Undaunted by the wettest summer in over twenty years and even enduring the theft of some of their plants, volunteers from the "Point" Neighborhood Association planted and nurtured flowers in a dozen planters in three water-view parks in that locale. Their dedication even included carrying water-filled containers from their homes to the three sites. Their labor was rewarded this year with an award from the prestigious organization "Newport in Bloom" which is dedicated to recognizing the excellence of work by non-professional gardeners. Delighted gardeners are:

L to R back row: Marcia Mallory, Patricia Carrubba, Merry Preston, Isabel Griffith, Bill Hall

L to R front row: Kay O'Brien, Elaine Jollie, Mary Berlinghoff, Claire Ernsberger

Locations for the planters are Storer Park on Washington Street near the Goat Island Causeway, Battery Park and on Washington Street overlooking the Pell (Newport) Bridge and the Van Zandt pier. Each site has a different display, based on its location and the "whim" of the gardeners caring for the planter.

The City of Newport Parks and Recreation Department provided some of the cement planters. The city requires that the "adopter" sign a contract guaranteeing that the flowers planted will be appropriate and that they will be maintained. The Point gardeners consider the beauty they bring to the neighborhood to be well worth the effort. To enquire about the availability of the "in demand" planters: contact City and Parks Supervisor Scott Wheeler