To the Journal editor:

I wish to acknowledge the work of the Marquette Beautification and Restoration Committee. These volunteers who make sure we have gorgeous flowers along the roadside and at the round-a-bout, deserve our thanks and support.

Over the last 37 years, over a half million dollars and more than 5,000 volunteers have transformed the South Front Street corridor into a vibrant, welcoming entrance to our city. Planning for next year’s plantings begins this fall.

This year’s gorgeous plants are pulled out the end of October and planning for next year begins. Flowers are ordered in late winter and the planting is done the first Saturday in June.

There is also landscape design,fertilizing, watering, grass cutting, composting, weeding, dead-heading, etc. etc. It is a year-round job.

The project, which is known as “Petunia Pandemonium,” was the brain child of Barb Kelly who has chaired the effort since it’s inception. She selects the floral design and has been the promoter and strong advocate who makes this happen.

We owe a debt of gratitude to these hard working citizens who make our city bloom.