Several types of spring flowers have already opened up in central Pennsylvania, but New Holland will really blossom when more than 60 planters filled with a variety of blooms and accents line Main Street from Kinzer Avenue to Hoover Avenue. The planters are a project of the New Holland Business Association (NHBA), dating back more than a decade.

According to Kirk Neidermyer, NHBA vice president, the planters will be placed on Monday, May 2, and flowers will be planted in them on Tuesday, May 3. The sponsored planters are placed by NHBA members and representatives of Keystone Quality Motors of New Holland. Before placement, they will be cleaned by a work crew from Lighthouse Vocational Services. Choice Flowers will fill the planters with a variety of blooms and greens based on the sun and shade quotient where each planter is located. Keystone will make sure the flowers are watered throughout the summer. The planters will be removed in early November and stored for the winter.

Sponsors may purchase a yearly membership, which is discounted after the first year. The membership fee covers placement of the planter, planting, and watering, and it includes a nameplate with the name of the sponsoring business on the side. Business owners are not guaranteed that a planter will sit in front of their Main Street location, but Neidermyer pointed out that a placement away from the business means putting the name in front of eyes in another part of town. Businesses need not be located in New Holland to order a planter. Neidermyer noted that NHBA members come from Earl Township, East Earl Township, and the borough of Terre Hill, as well as New Holland. Although most planters are sponsored by for-profit businesses, nonprofits and individuals are welcome to help brighten Main Street.

The planters are made of rugged plastic, which makes them lightweight, but they are colored to look like stone or concrete. "I have six new ones coming that look similar (to the ones we have)," said Neidermyer, who noted the new ones would replace a few that had been damaged.

Neidermyer said that more planters might be placed if sponsors come forward. Those wishing to sponsor a planter may call 717-629-3687 or email kirk@choicehomeremodeling.com.