The Neil Avenue planters are a streetscape beautification effort reinforcing the pride residents feel about where they live and making a statement people care about their neighborhood.

The eighteen planters lining Neil Avenue are part of the Short North Civic Association’s (SNCA) commitment to the beautification of the Short North. Containing an array of plants and flowers specially selected for each planter location, the planters greet residents and visitors, alike, as they walk, bike, or drive down Neil Avenue. The SNCA care program includes plantings between Mother’s Day and Memorial day, continual watering and maintenance throughout the summer season, and refresher plantings in the fall, just prior to the SNCA’s annual Tour of Homes & Gardens.

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Neil Avenue Planters

The eighteen planters first appeared in 1992 at Ameriflora, the country’s first international flower show held at Franklin Park. Following the closure of the event, the late, great Pat Lewis recognized an opportunity. Pat realized the city would discard the planters following Ameriflora, so she persuaded the city leaders to donate the planters to the Victorian Village Society (the precursor civic association to the SNCA) to install along Neil Avenue. Due to Pat’s insistence and perseverance, the planters have graced Neil Avenue ever since that time.

For more than five years, Kevin Smith of Lush Scapes has completed the beautiful plantings and continual maintenance of the planters. Each year Lush Scapes generously donates a portion of its work to the SNCA, permitting the SNCA to keep within its annual budget for the planters. The SNCA also owes much gratitude to Victorian Village resident, Lisa Morton, for her continued support in coordinating and managing the planter project.

Please consider making a specific donation to this worthy project, any amount is appreciated.