Flowers, plants grab Rodeo Drive spotlight

Walk down LA’s world-famous Rodeo Drive and you might spot a movie star or some serious power shoppers. But for sure you’ll see gorgeous flowers and plants.

And you might wonder how they got there and who takes care of them…

Most of the blooms are the result of Beverly Hills’ Urban Design Program, a plan to enhance the pedestrian experience in a five-street area anchored by Rodeo Drive, says Daniel E. Cartagena, assistant to the city manager. The program started rolling out in 2003.

The lengthy list of improvements (replacing and widening sidewalks and street medians, for example) also included replacing ficus trees with King Palm trees, planting Medjool Palms, roses, philodendron and agapanthus, as well as installing planter urns that hold seasonal flowers.

City crews provide landscape maintenance and tree trimming.

As for the program’s success, Cartagena says: “We’ve had a warm response from business owners and shoppers.”

Another testament to the power of flowers!

As for the delightful hanging flower baskets, they’re maintained independently of Beverly Hills city management by 2 Rodeo Drive, http://tworodeo.com/.

But more flower baskets may be on the horizon. Beverly Hills is looking at adding that feature to its streets, says Cartagena. Before making a final decision, they’ll need to consider irrigation (the flower baskets on 2 Rodeo are hand-watered), weight and wind load, as well as maintenance costs.

Rodeo Drive plants

Flower Fact of the Day: California cut-flower growers are voicing their concerns about proposed legislation to make permanent trade agreements with Latin American growers. For the full story, go to: venturacountystar.com/news/2008/apr/20/floral-industry-survivors.

Jacqueline - Editor