Seasonal beautification of Ada's business district includes eye-catching flower baskets that hang on light poles below village banners.

The project is spearheaded by the Village of Ada, which waters, cleans, trims, and fertilizes the plantings. The baskets are planted by a local small business, Stratton Greenhouses, 9915 Lincoln Hwy.

None of this would be possible without donatons by businesses and residents of Ada. Village administrator Jamie Hall notes, "Starting in 2016 and continuing to today, the donations that the Village has received in supporting the downtown flower baskets has been encouraging." He adds, "The importance of the flower basket donations allows for the limited amount of money budgeted for grounds maintenance to be used for flower planting at the Depot Railroad Park, Village Swimming Pool, and Village Welcome Sign areas. All donations are appreciated and beneficial." Donations of any amount are welcomed. This year's cost for a basket is $125.

Appreciation for the baskets is sometimes noted non-verbally. Village employee Connie Ziegler, who maintains the baskets, lets Hall know "about the 'thumbs-up' or horn honks she gets when tending to the baskets."

To express your appreciation monetarily, donations can be made by check to the "Village of Ada - Flower Fund." Village offices are located at 115 W. Buckeye Ave.

The idea for the baskets came from ONU President Emeritus DeBow Freed. Additional flowers are displayed along Main Street on Ohio Northern's campus, In 2018, ONU received an award from the  Keep Hardin County Beautiful Commission.