Gardening

Since 1997, Keep Tyler Beautiful has encouraged Tylerites to add dazzling spring color throughout the city with the purchase and planting of daffodil bulbs. This year the initiative takes on new meaning through collaboration with the East Texas Medical Center Cancer Institute, as well as the ETMC Auxiliary and ETMC Foundation.

"For centuries the daffodil - one of the first signs of spring - has symbolized hope," said Todd Sigmon, ETMC vice president of the Cancer Institute. "We have adopted this flower as a symbol for our organization and ETMC's Cancer Institute Remembrance Fund, which supports our programs and patients."

Keep Tyler Beautiful is currently selling bags of 50 daffodil bulbs for $14 per bag.

"Pre-sale of the daffodil bulbs is going on now. More than 28,000 order forms were delivered to city of Tyler citizens and we have only received 232 orders," said Kristi Boyett, special projects coordinator for the city of Tyler and Keep Tyler Beautiful. "Therefore, we are extending the deadline to Friday, Sept. 5, for mailing in your order forms with payment."

Everyone who orders daffodils will receive a postcard in October reminding them when to pick up their bulbs. Then the ETMC Auxiliary and volunteers associated with the Cancer Institute will sell daffodil bulbs in the fall at ETMC locations. All proceeds from those sales will benefit the ETMC Cancer Institute Remembrance Fund.

ETMC officials approached the city of Tyler and Keep Tyler Beautiful about combining efforts to enhance visibility of the traditional Project Daffodil program, while also supporting cancer care initiatives and celebrating cancer survivorship.

"Our board is delighted to have this opportunity to work with ETMC and add the message of cancer awareness to Project Daffodil," said Eloise Muxworthy, chairman of the Keep Tyler Beautiful board of directors. "We know this program will continue to grow and benefit Tyler's reputation as a spring garden center and the overall efforts of Keep Tyler Beautiful."

Order forms can be sent to Keep Tyler Beautiful at 414 N. Bois D'Arc Ave. Tyler, 75702. To request an order form, please call Mrs. Boyett at (903) 531-1348.

For more information visit www.KeepTylerBeautiful.com.