Digging Deeper

Petunia Planting Day 2026 was filled with many “new” happenings! For today’s Digging Deeper, we will call it “The Year of the New.” We had several new Block Captains! Welcome Angie, Michelle, and the United Way Emerging Leaders. We started a Mentor program for new Block Captains! Thank you to Monica, Katie, Michelle, and Karen for working with our new volunteers. New Volunteers from Hardman Construction, United Way Emerging Leaders, National Honor Society, Wesco, The O-Bots

The saying, “it takes a village to raise a child” certainly rings true in Ludington! When it comes to the Ludington Petunia Parade, it takes an entire “village” to beautify our community. Block Captains, Donors, Gustafson’s Greenhouse, the City of Ludington, the Mason County Sheriff Reserves…the list is endless. In April’s Digging Deeper, we want to concentrate on the Block Captains (BCs). Who are they? How long have they been volunteering? BCs are from local businesses, orga

There’s something about petunias that brings this community together! ​ Linda Burns and I first met in 2020 when we were directed to help plant petunias on the same block, unknowingly becoming joint block captains. Along with our husbands, Rocky and John, we have spent the past six years planting, weeding, and removing petunias together. Rocky and John also generously gave their time and energy each spring to help prepare the petunia beds. ​ Rocky passed away unexpectedly on

When she showed up at our Block Captain Meet and Greet in May 2025, her enthusiasm was contagious! New to the Ludington Petunia Parade (or so I thought), she and her 7‑year‑old son represented four generations of family who have participated in our annual beautification project. ​ Welcome Lisa Erickson! ​ Capturing her story over coffee in January was a joy. Her stories from the past—and her new title as Block Captain—were pure fun to hear.​ She said, “I have lived here for 2