Bay Street in Bloom

Adopt a Planter is SOLD OUT for 2024!

Do you have a gardening spirit?

Every spring our community has the opportunity to come together and adopt planters on Bay Street. YOU are invited to share your gardening talents and help make Bay Street look its best all summer long!

 here’s what you need to know!

  • Consider this formula:

    Spill: Add a trailing plant that will spill over the planter.

    Thrill: Add a thrilling plant that takes center stage.

    Fill: Add filler plants so that the planter doesn’t look empty.

    We suggest using a variety of plants, annuals, perennials, ornamental grasses, fast-growing seeds, etc.

    * If you plant tall growing plants they may need stakes to ensure they don’t break off.

  • There is no fee to adopt a planter!

    You do not pay anything to our organization to participate. You simply purchase your plants. (Our organization will provide the soil for all planters).

    Another ‘cost’ to consider is the time spent caring for your planter. You will care for your plants until late fall, so you’ll need to water your plants. Read more about the commitment and caring for your planter below.

    We also provide a marker indicating who has adopted each of the planter(s), so this is a super fun way for a local business or group to advertise and express their love for the community.

  • Between May 1st to Oct 30th (end date is weather dependent) is the duration you’ll need to care for your planter.

    You can begin planting as early as April 24th, but no later than May 1st to ensure Bay Street is in full bloom for May Day (and our May Day Basket Contest)!

    Remember, if you have a vacation scheduled, please let us know. We can help find a volunteer to help while you’re out of town.

  • With the adoption of your planter(s), you are the primary ‘waterer’ of your planter(s).

    Plan to water your planter 1 to 2 times a week but maybe even more during any hot/dry periods.

    We have two portable 9 gallon watering units on wheels stored at the Port Orchard Market — you are welcome to use those or bring your own water.

    Please also remember to deadhead/trim and fertilize your planter throughout the season.

    If for any reason you find that you cannot continue with the maintenance, or you plan to be out of town for a short period/vacation, please do not abandon your plants!

    Let us know so we can help you keep the planters looking great all season.

  • Scroll down and fill out the form below. Use the planter map to select the planter(s) you’d like to adopt. If you don’t have a preference, we can assign an available planter to you.

Pick your Planter

We are happy to report that all planters have been adopted for 2024.

reserve your planter!

Planter reservations are CLOSED for 2024

*The local business community also hosts its own annual May Day Basket Contest. Participating businesses will have a creative floral basket either outside their business or in their window. While you’re downtown caring for your planters, please vote for your favorite floral arrangement. between April 28 and April 30, 2023. Information on participating in the May Day Basket Contest can be found here or email us.