Independence Village residents show off their green thumbs

Indpendence Village residents proud of their amaryllis plants gather to show their flowers' bloom. Photo provided

From press release

Independence Village residents took part in a planting party Dec. 2. At that time, staff and volunteers from the City of Gardens program of the Rockford Park District assisted residents in planting their own amaryllis plant (a favorite Christmas flower). Since that time, those who took part in the fun event have been watching their plant carefully. If their amaryllis was the first, second or third to produce a bloom, they would win a prize.

In the past few weeks, this contest has created quite a buzz around the “Village.”

Folks were bragging about their green thumbs and how tall their plants were getting. Just this past week, the amaryllis plants have burst into bloom. Yolanda Doyle’s plant had the first flower to bloom, while Jack Pearson’s flower came in second, and Joe Grotto’s came in third.

While the three winners have been announced and their prizes have been awarded, folks around the Village are still tending to their plants and watching for blooms. In the spring, the Park District’s City of Gardens will help residents plant their amaryllis flowers in the Village courtyard. Independence Village and the Rockford Park District hope to work together on a number of activities throughout the year.