Stop and View the Roses, or Daylilies, or Petunias

By Lisa Lyons

Rows of rosebushes, colorful flowers, and other shrubs run the length of Washington Street; tall, glowing daylilies wrap around a corner of Lafayette Park; dramatic high grasses and bushes welcome drivers into Riley Plaza. 

There are quite a few of these "gardens in the streets" at intersections throughout Salem. 

They're all maintained by Salem Beautification Committee members and the many volunteers who diligently weed, mulch, and care for 35 trafficislands and median strips, many of which are sponsored by local businesses and organizations. Form, function, and beauty; these natural border markers illuminate roadways at night and help make drivers aware of intersections, narrowing roads, and other traffic considerations, and they make any daily commute a delightful one. 

You might not be able to stop and smell the roses when you're driving around, but you sure can see them!

Enjoy the views!

For more information about traffic island sponsorship, or if you're interested in volunteering to help the Salem Beautification Committee with weekly maintenance on a traffic island, call Ellen at 978-619-5676.