Cornell Cooperative Extension

Tompkins County
Rotary Community Beautification
Image by Martha Gioumousis

Colorful clumps of daffodils around the Rotary

red tulips around the rotary
Image by Eileen Sheehan

Red tulips at the Rotary

Volunteers planting at the Rotary
Image by Janine Willis

Volunteers planting at the Rotary

flowers at the rotary
Image by Janine Willis

Ithaca Rotary Club sponsorship sign

Giant alliums bloom at the back of the planting
Image by Martha Gioumousis

Giant alliums bloom at the rear of the planting.

A mixed planting of annuals, perennials and grasses blooms all summer long.
Image by Martha Gioumousis

A mixed planting of annuals, perennials and grasses blooms all summer long.

flowers at the Rotary
Image by Janine Willis

Daylilies, petunias, and marigolds blooming

Purple Liatris, Golden Zinnias, Red Velour Petunias, Canna all bloom in great profusion at the Rotary.
Image by Martha Gioumousis

Purple Liatris, Rudbeckia, Golden Zinnias, Red Velour Petunias, Canna

Ithaca Traffic Rotary

Ithaca’s only true traffic rotary is at the intersection of Elmira Rd., S. Albany St., W. Spencer St. and Park St. The center of the Rotary is filled with a low growing variety of Forsythia. Trees include: Skymaster English Oak (QUERCUS ROBUR) and Regal Prince Oak (QUERCUS X ROBUR).

In the spring, early blooming patches of winter aconite appear through the snow, followed by crocus and snowdrops. Later, the forsythia’s yellow flowers are complemented by a succession of tulips in the mixed border on the outside of the circle.  Clumps of daffodils are spread around the circle.

Drivers slow to traverse the circle, often pausing to admire the flowers, now a mix of annuals, perennials and ornamental grasses. 

The Ithaca Rotary Club has sponsored the Rotary planting with a cash contribution since 2015, prompting the Rotary Rotary designation.

Last updated December 30, 2021

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