A splash of color for the downtown

The Rockville Centre Chamber of Commerce planted 40 flower baskets in the village this year and they are doing well.

“Next year – hopefully – we’ll have more,” said Barbara Goldfeder, the Rockville Centre Chamber of Commerce president.

The flowers are spread around the downtown area, with baskets on Park Avenue and Front Street.

“It’s just to beautify the village,” said Greg Schaefer, the Rockville Centre Chamber of Commerce vice president.

Last year the flowers did not do as well.

“Last year was not the success that we wanted,” said Goldfeder.

The flowers for this year are Ivy Geraniums from Dees’ Nursery at 69 Atlantic Ave. in Oceanside. Dees’ is a member of the Rockville Centre Chamber of Commerce.

“[Ivy Geraniums] are very drought tolerant and can handle a tremendous amount of sun without getting hurt,” Joseph DiDominica, the owner of Dees Nursery, wrote in an email. “We told [the village and the Chamber] to keep them watered properly throughout the summer, especially on the hot sunny days and they should do well through till the fall.”

The Chamber had a bidding process where it looked at three nurseries and florists.

“He did the best job for it,” said Goldfeder about Dees’ Nursery.

The money for the flowers comes from Chamber dues and fundraising from EAT.SHOP.ROCK. and the Taste of Elegance.

“[Dees Nursery] did a wonderful job,” said Schaefer.

Rockville Centre’s Department of Public Works maintains and waters the flowers.

“We want people to feel welcome and have an aesthetically pleasing experience,” said village spokesperson Julie Scully.