Story and photos by Bailey Ballard
bailey@bbnews.today
Milledgeville Main Street adopted out 56 planters in downtown Milledgeville as part of the Adopt a Planter program.
Last year, the program debuted as a way to assist the staff shortage that impacted how the planters were being maintained. According to Director of Milledgeville Main Street/Downtown Development Authority Carlee Schulte, the program focuses on adopting out the planters with a focus on the design of the downtown area.
The program was first opened up to businesses downtown since many of the planters resided in front of businesses. After a short amount of time, the program was then opened to the public. Adopting a planter allowed the adoptee to pick the plants, plant them, and submit photos for the Milledgeville Main Street social media pages.
Every planter receives a plaque with the individual, business, or group name that adopted it. Adoptees are expected to keep check on their plants to maintain beauty and longevity.
This year, the program is featuring each planter as an individual post on Facebook and allowing people to ‘like’ their favorite as a vote for the new People’s Choice Winner. The program is also bringing back their judged first and second place planters. Winners will be announced at the Deep Roots Festival on Oct. 21.
To experience the beauty of downtown, Milledgeville Main Street has created a walking tour to view the planters.
Planters and their adopters may also be viewed on their Facebook page. For more information about the Adopt A Planter Project or how to get involved, contact Milledgeville Main Street by phone at 478-414-4014 or by email mainstreetdesk@ milledgevillega.us. “We wanted to allow people to have the creative freedom to make their own planter,” Schulte told The Baldwin Bulletin last year. “It’s exciting to see what different organizations, individuals and businesses come up with to make their planter unique.”