Downtown Langley is really blossoming, thanks to the generosity of the community.

Thirty flower baskets have been attached to power poles around the downtown area. There are seven or eight varieties of annuals.

“We’re watering the heck out of them,” said Fred Lundahl, president of the Langley Chamber of Commerce. “Everybody has been really impressed.”

The project was the combined and prolonged effort of the chamber, the city of Langley, Puget Sound Energy and a number of individuals and merchants.

Donors paid $70 to sponsor a basket. Some donors sponsored half a basket. Others sponsored three. PSE permitted the baskets to be hung on its power poles, and the city agreed to keep them watered during the week.

Lists of the donors are posted in kiosks around town, Lundahl said.

“A merchant in Freeland even sponsored a basket,” he said, “but

I think he should remain anonymous.”

Jim Rowley of Whidbey’s Perennial Favorites in Langley grew the flowers. He also grows the street flowers for Coupeville.

The project had been in the discussion stage for years, said Sherry Mays, chamber director.

She said the chamber purchased the equipment to hang and maintain the baskets, including a water tank, pump system and watering wand.

The baskets received approval from the design review board as part of the city’s ongoing beautification program. This was the project’s first year.

“We are so thankful to the people who donated generously,” Mays said. “Watch out, Butchart Gardens.”

Lundahl foresees a Langley future filled with flowers, perhaps two baskets per pole.

“We hope to increase the number of baskets every year,” he said. “All we need are more power poles.”