Pot Tarts: Transforming Ordinary Flowerpots into Extraordinary Art!

By: Abbi Heckel

Have you ever been exploring downtown Tipp City and taken notice of the magnificent flower pots that adorn the walkways? Maybe you’ve thought to yourself, “Who maintains and creates these floral masterpieces?” Meet Kathy Skinner! An ambassador for the Master Gardener Program in Ohio, As well as contributing as a member of the Design Committee for the Tipp City Partnership.

What all goes into the Flower Pots?

Every season Kathy and four of her friends re-envision the flower pots with themed flora transforming the downtown to help welcome the changes in weather. Once every month, Kathy gets together with like-minded plant enthusiasts to brainstorm how to improve the pots even further in the future. When the pots are fully constructed the city then maintains and waters them throughout the season to ensure their beauty doesn't fade.

What other events and projects are part of the Master Gardener Program?

It may come as a surprise to you when it comes to the variety of events that are only possible through the program. Just a few examples include; Conduction plant clinics to help teach you on how to medicate and diagnose problems in your home garden. Helping homeowners beautify their yards before the ‘Tippecanoe and Christmas Too’ event. Hosting their annual Garden tour where 6-8 different houses have the opportunity to show off their greenery creations. Students in Piqua help shape the cultural Native American garden and as a tasty reward they can collect their crops at the end of the season. All of the produce from the Victory Garden next to the Upper Valley Medical Center is donated to the local food pantry. They also feature a Winter pruning school where you can learn how to care for and prepare your plants for the harsh winter temperatures as well as many other insightful projects.

How can I get involved?

Members of the community can contribute to the beautification of Tipp City by sponsoring the fifteen different pots of plants downtown. You can email the partnership at info@downtowntippcity.org to donate. If you want to join the Master Gardener Program call the extension office and ask for Amanda Bennett - (937)440-3945 or email her directly - bennett.709@osu.edu . Be sure to support the Downtown Lowdown podcast today featured anywhere you get your podcasts!