What began as an idea in 1982 to add beauty to the city has been a nationally recognized feat: Charlevoix's five miles of US 31 are lined with petunias each year and they are gorgeous! This year's community planting day is May 26.

Planting the petunias takes massive organization. The areas along the curbs where the plants will be are raked to remove winter's salt and dirt accumulations. Next comes fertilizer and tilling. And remember that there are five miles of planting on both sides of the street to prepare. The night before the planting, the ground is watered.

On petunia planting day, the ground is ready for the city's handcrafted 16' steel flower hole punch roller. Volunteers drop off 1,200 flats of flowers along the petunia avenue. The official planting day is the Thursday before Memorial Day. More than 1,000 volunteers line the streets to plant the petunias and then celebrate with a picnic in East Park.

Throughout the summer season, watering the petunias is a must. A special petunia watering truck drives along the petunia daily to deliver 12,000 gallons of water--daily! Next comes weeding which takes place twice a month.

Operation Petunia is unique to Charlevoix. Residents and visitors love the look of the petunias. And, of course, the petunia's perfume indeed makes Charlevoix special!

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Uniquely Charlevoix...

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For more activities & attractions, check out these additional links for Things to Do in Northern Michigan:

Harbor Springs, Michigan -- Harbor Springs is the place to try new things! Rent a bike or a kayak, go snow tubing, attend a concert or an art fair, or play a round of golf with friends.
Petoskey -- There's so much to do in Petoskey from the Bear River Valley Recreation Area, to Petoskey State Park, to biking, golfing, hiking, and more.
Charlevoix, Michigan -- Visiting Charlevoix in Northern Michigan is a fun-filled vacation with great beaches, boating, skiing, fishing and year 'round family fun.
Things to Do in Boyne City, Michigan -- Nothing is quite like Boyne City in Northern Michigan with camping, boating, skiing, year 'round outdoor activities, and of course, the morel mushroom!
Lots of Activities in Mackinaw City, Michigan -- Explore Mackinaw City in Northern Michigan for history, the International Dark Sky Park, and outdoor activities.
Mackinac Island -- Take a step back in time and find lots of things to do when you visit Mackinac Island by horseback or bike--no cars allowed!
Northern Michigan Activities & Things to Do -- Northern Michigan offers many fun things to do for the entire family whatever the season, whatever the reason!

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