About

The Adopt-a-Flowerpot Program is designed to engage residents, businesses, and community groups in beautifying Eastern Boulevard. For many residents, this program offers a tangible and meaningful way to get involved in Essex CDC’s work and directly contribute to the appearance of our main corridor. By adopting and maintaining decorative flowerpots, participants help create a more vibrant, welcoming environment that reflects the pride and commitment of the Essex community.

Program Guidelines

Participation in this program requires that each sponsor regularly cares for their plant/flowerpot throughout the year, including watering, seasonal updates/decorations, and general upkeep. Consistent care ensures that each planter remains healthy, attractive, and is a positive addition to our community streetscape. Your dedication helps maintain the charm and pride of our public spaces, and your efforts will be seen and appreciated by neighbors, businesses, and visitors alike.

The following program guidelines outline responsibilities and best practices to support your success as a flowerpot caretaker.

  • Year-Round Care: Participants are responsible for watering, weeding, and maintaining their flowerpot in all seasons.
  • Appropriate Content: Decorations must be family-friendly and free from offensive or vulgar imagery. Must be approved by the Essex CDC Streetscape Committee.
  • Respectful Displays: Messages and symbols must be inclusive and non-discriminatory. 
  • Safety First: Decorations must not block sidewalks, interfere with visibility, or create hazards.
  • Creative Expression: Seasonal plants and personal decorations are encouraged, as long as they align with these rules.
  • Limited Advertising: One mini-yard sign (no larger than 10” x 10”) may be placed in a flowerpot at a given time, displaying the name of the entity, family, or individual sponsoring the flowerpot. Large-scale commercial advertising is not allowed.
  • Community Participation: Attendance at Fall and Spring planting days is encouraged.
  • Shared Responsibility: If a flowerpot is damaged or moved, participants are asked to notify the Beautification Coordinator so that a solution can be found together regarding whether to fix or replace the flowerpot.
  • Waitlist & Reassignment: If a pot is left neglected for an extended period, it may be reassigned to the next participant on the waitlist to ensure ongoing care and beautification. There is a “three strikes” policy related to being removed from the program.

Click HERE to access a pdf version of the Adopt-a-Flowerpot Program Guidelines.

Program Options

$25/year – For program participants who will maintain their flowerpot independently
$100/year – For program participants who prefer assistance with maintenance

Annual Flower/Plant Care Plan

To help your plants thrive, each sponsor will receive a Flower/Plant Care Plan with simple, step-by-step guidance tailored to the specific centerpiece plant in your flowerpot. This plan will include watering and sunlight needs, pruning tips, and seasonal care suggestions; everything you need to keep your flowers and greenery looking their best all year long.

Click HERE to access a pdf version of the Annual Flower/Plant Care Plan.

Flowerpot Plants & Locations

Each program participant will receive either a rose bush or a dwarf arbor vitae tree to be planted in their designated flowerpot on Eastern Blvd. The level of maintenance required will depend on the type of sponsorship selected (see above).

There are 27 flowerpots available to adopt. Flowerpots are situated at various points in the 100-500 blocks of Eastern Blvd. Essex CDC will designate the location of each flowerpot which cannot be moved once adopted. If you have a particular location that you would like to request, please contact our Beautification Coordinator. We will do our best to honor requests, but cannot guarantee a preferred location. Should we reach/exceed our goal of sponsors, please be advised that we will add you to a waitlist. We will contact you to inform you if this is the case.

Click HERE to access the Flowerpot Map.

How to Sign Up

Signing up is simple and can be done through Givebutter, our online registration and payment platform.

  • Visit the Adopt-a-Flowerpot Program Givebutter page.
  • Read the description and click on “Sign Up Here”.
  • Pay the adoption fee securely online.
  • Sign a copy of the Guidelines.
  • Receive a confirmation email with details for the next planting day.

Learn More

Timeline

Registration for the program is year-round. 

Contact Information

Questions? Contact Darasimi Arilesere, Essex CDC’s Beautification Coordinator, at beautification@essexcdc.org | 443-579-7974