Self-watering plants sprouting in city

Special to 318Forum

Beginning on the first day of 2024, self-watering Earthplanter pots are sprouting on Texas Street sidewalks downtown.

By early spring, they will be even more abundant and filled with seasonal greenery and color, thanks to Tim Hoover, the Shreveport Aquarium’s horticulturist, and local sponsors. The initiative, begun by the Downtown Development Authority, seeks to add low-maintenance beauty and greenery to the area.

If you’re not a gardener, you might not realize all plant-growing material isn’t created equally. The requirement for the wickwatered Earthplanter pots that are being deployed downtown is a peat-based medium, and the recommended brand is called Pro-Mix. Garrison’s Home and Garden Showplace on Greenwood Road filled the order.

The pots are in a self-watering container system that produces superior plant growth while reducing labor costs, fuel and water usage.

Sponsorship for an Earthplanter is $300 per year and covers two sets of plantings during the year – fall and spring. Sponsors are not responsible for the maintenance or upkeep of the container. The individual, family or organization will receive a customized plaque showcasing their name or company name on each sponsored container and confirmation of plaque placement and location once it has been placed. To support the “greening” of downtown and inquire about the Adopt-A-Pot sponsorship, call the Downtown Development Authority at 318-222-7403.