The Local Lens – Inclined to Bloom: It’s Time to Plant!
May 27, 2026 | Linda Offerdahl
Spring came early, and many of you got your flowers out early. If you are one of the sensible ones and waited, now’s the time.
Now that we are past Memorial Day, it’s officially time to start planting and be part of “Inclined to Bloom”! Hanging baskets and terra cotta pots will be installed next week.
WHERE TO LOOK NOW
(aka get out of your car and walk around!)
The Tahoe Time Plaza has ginormous hanging flower baskets, plus all of the stunning landscaping they do. You know it as the place where Chase International and Rainbow Printing are located, right on Tahoe Blvd., across from Raley’s Incline Center.
Did you know this is also the center for Dr. Hibler from the Skin Cancer and Dermatology Institute? Dr. Hibler says my skin is clear of cancer, whew!
The next time you are stopped on Tahoe Blvd. and Village, look over at the Chevron Station. They have a little patch of ground between their two drives, and Donna has already been out there planting it.
Kudos to the Rotary Club for keeping their “Peace Park” on the corner looking so good. Doug, Dave, and the guys at Chevron changed my tires and my brakes almost before we finished having lunch at Mofo’s. If you ever want to talk to me, Richard and I are there every Tuesday.
WHERE TO SHOP
If you took my advice and are out walking, take a rest in Christmas Tree Village’s Gathering Place with the red Adirondack chairs, and notice that property manager Tony Robinson, with the support of merchants, owners, and Main Street, is already tackling the next section of their easement for improvements.
Back to walking…
Stop in at High Sierra Gardens! They are the go-to shop for anyone looking for perennials, native plants, and shrubs. There’s a creek that runs through it that is just really flowing this time of year. This is such a walkable area of Incline, you could find yourself at the library!
Who knew grocery stores were becoming the new nurseries! Julie at Grocery Outlet is a great bargain finder, and she has applied those skills to plants and flowers. Check it out.
Raley’s has a great vibe going on right outside their Starbucks entrance. Grab your coffee and take a look at the great selection of annuals right next to their outdoor café seating area.
DONATE TO INCLINED TO BLOOM
You guys were so generous with the daffodil campaign, I hope you saved some $$ for pots and plants.
Steve Blaney, Main Street’s Manager, has found new places to put up baskets and planters. Watch for them at Starbucks Village Plaza and the US Bank building around the end of next week.
Please, the more you give, the more we will add to our commercial areas!
We are adding terra cotta pots at the entrances to Raley’s Incline Center and hope to cover the boardwalk railings with planter boxes.
Denise Azzara and now her kids, Andrea and Cord, have kept the geranium tradition going. Rosewood is adding some to their front sidewalk as well. Stop in at their new pizza place, where Jiffy’s used to be!
One last shout-out to Larry Wodarski at the IPM team in Village Center and Raleys. Someone has to make sure these plants are cared for, and it is often them.
Thanks to the Rotary clubs for continuing to water the pots at the bus shelters.
GATEWAY ROUNDABOUT
Thanks to IVCBA’s Main Street program and Sierra Giving Circle donors for the improvements at the roundabout. Incline Tahoe Foundation has been our fiscal partner.
Irrigation is in…shrubs and perennials coming next! Stay Tuned!
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