You know that spring is in the air when you see the colorful flower baskets hanging in the streets of downtown Ferndale. These beautiful baskets stay bright and healthy all summer long thanks to Ferndale resident, 85-year-old Bob Curtis, who has made it his job to keep Downtown Ferndale’s blooming baskets looking their best.
Each year, the City of Ferndale purchases 120 hanging baskets to line the streets in downtown Ferndale. And, each year, the Ferndale Chamber of Commerce guides the installation and maintenance of those hanging baskets. Curtis takes time each day, about six hours in total, to water all of the baskets keeping them fresh and vibrant. He can be seen in the morning hours or later in the evening depending on the weather and temperature.
As a former employee of the City Parks Department, Curtis took on the job around eight years ago at the request of the person previously in charge of keeping the baskets watered. Curtis found that he liked the commitment and enjoyed keeping the flowers fresh all summer, so he just continued doing it as the years progressed.
“I like being out in the good weather,” says Curtis. “And, because I’m retired, I can set my own hours just as long as the job gets done. And I get to take the winters off.”
Curtis goes on to say that he’s the only one responsible for ensuring the baskets get watered. “I keep them looking good. I know it is up to me.”
You can expect to see those flower baskets hanging all through the summer months. Next time you see them getting watered, stop and say hello to Bob Curtis and thank him for keeping the streets of Ferndale looking beautiful.
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