Moses Lake FFA students bring blooms downtown with student-grown flowers

May 19-MOSES LAKE - Moses Lake FFA students filled more than 130 downtown flowerpots Tuesday, continuing a two‑decade partnership that brings student‑grown color to the city's core.

FFA advisor Tony Kern said about 45 students spent the day planting flowers they started in January, a full circle project that blends horticulture skills with community service.

"Today, we are kind of in the last stage of our partnership with the Downtown Moses Lake Association," Kern said. "We're down here planting the flowers in the 135 cement pots that line 3rd and Broadway... These are all things that we grew. The kids grew them starting in January."

Kern said the project has been refined over nearly 20 years. Students clean out the pots each fall, prepare soil in the spring, and plant a hardy mix designed to withstand downtown's heat and concrete.

The pots include tidal wave petunias, two varieties of sweet potato vine, and a purple fountain grass in the center - a combination Kern said thrives even in extreme summer conditions.

"We've got it down to a really hearty mix," he said. "It gets hot, it's on the cement... and they're getting water just once a day."

Students also hand‑water each pot with a five‑gallon bucket before planting.

Kern said the project teaches more than horticulture.

"It's such a valuable thing for our kids," he said. "They're going to have some stranger stop them on the street today and tell them they appreciate it... and that really helps build that sense of community."

FFA President and state treasurer Arielle Montoya said seeing the plants downtown is a point of pride.

"I am proud," she said. "Our hard work is paid off, being able to see them displayed in the public. Every time I pass by, it's like, 'Wow, I helped grow those.'"

Montoya, who helped plant for the first time this year, said the project adds more than color.

"I think it adds a sense of community," she said. "Like, wow, this is my hometown. It's so beautiful."

Senior Jenna Zemke has participated all four years of high school.

"It's just a great way to give back to the community," she said. "It really brings a pop of color to downtown... and that sense of pride - you did this."

Zemke said the compliments from passersby never get old.

"It's amazing to know that people really appreciate it," she said. "It's one thing to be personally proud of it, but to know that other people enjoy what we do feels great."

Kern said the project is shared across the agriculture program.

"It's a partnership of me and our other FFA advisors and nearly 50 students; they should all be highlighted," he said.

The Downtown Moses Lake Association will continue watering the pots through summer.

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