May Day Basket Competition Returns to Downtown Annapolis

In keeping with tradition, the Garden Club of Old Towne Annapolis is hosting the 56th annual May Day Basket competition to usher in the spring season.

"It's really a chance for all gardeners to celebrate the coming of warmer days," said Cindy Hartman, a garden club member who is chairing the event.

By 10 a.m. May 1, residents and businesses in the historic district and portions of Murray Hill are invited to put a May basket display, which consists of fresh-cut flowers and accessories, outside their homes or storefronts. Residents are asked to use a basket for their displays, but businesses can do something related to their specialty.

Children are also invited to participate, and those 12 and under will receive a pink ribbon and a lollipop.

All participants are asked to include a card with their name and contact information. Kids should include their ages.

"We encourage everybody to put out a basket," Hartman said. "I especially love the ones that reflect the creator's personality."

From 10 a.m. to noon, judges from the garden club will go door to door and examine baskets at the homes and businesses of those who decide to participate.

"Some people do very extravangant baskets; others are more whimsical," Hartman said. "We just like to see that an effort was made."

She said garden club members especially love to see flowers that come from a residential yard.

"We just enjoy seeing how creative people can be," Hartman said.

The judges will award blue ribbons to their favorite displays, and invite these winners to a special May Day tea on May 3 at a garden club member's home. The tea will include finger sandwiches and dessert.

"There have been some memorable baskets over the years and I'm looking forward to what this year has in store," Hartman said.