Downtown Providence is in full bloom

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) -- With the warm weather of summer here, downtown Providence is blooming with flowers again.

The Rhode Show went on the road as the Downtown Improvement District workers began to transform the capital city.

This year marks the sixth season of the Providence Downtown Improvement Planting program.

"It's about clean, safe, and welcoming, letting people know that this is a really cared-for area, and it’s an area that we are inviting and welcoming people to come into and enjoy the new vibe of downtown," said Director of Public Space for the Downtown Improvement District Frank Latorre.

We're told the program is expanding and will include more colorful flowers and baskets this year.

"We started out on a small scale and every year it has just enlarged," said Operations Manager Frank Zammarelli. "The ground gardens, the planters, and to the hanging baskets."

Each of the baskets weight about 65 pounds, and the group hangs over 200 of them.

A crew of six work tirelessly throughout the city to take care of the planting and watering six days a week.

"Because of that we have been able to keep really a full blossoming, full peak of beautiful vibrant colors all year round," said Latorre.

Money from local businesses is what keeps this program growing, and the workers in the bright yellow shirts take care of the planting.

"It takes about three full days to get up all the hanging baskets, another maybe week, week and a half to get all the ground gardens planted, and the planters maybe two or three days to do all the planting around the city." added Latorre.

With a brand new truck and a lot of hard work, the city is really coming alive.

"The people love it. We have people starting to ask us questions in January about the flower program," said Zammarelli. "So, it has become a big thing here in Providence and in the district. It's probably what we're known for the most in our program."

All the flowers selected have been chosen because they thrive in a city environment, and support from local sponsors has enabled to program to expand. 

If you would like more information about the Downtown Improvement District program you can head to www.providencedowntown.com