Lisa Deerman said, as part of Hamilton County's 200th anniversary celebration, she wanted to share her family's beloved tuberoses.
Some have been planted at the historic Fireman's Fountain across from the County Courthouse.
Ms.
Deerman, who is on the county's bicentennial planning committee, said, "As long as I can remember, my daddy raised tuberoses. He would plant the bulbs after Mother’s Day. They would bloom in late August or September. Before the first frost they have to be taken up and dried out. He stored them in our basement.
"Daddy would go to the flea market and buy bud vases. He would then cut them and take them to Northpark Hospital. When he drove up in his little truck the nurses would have a cart for him to put the vases on, fill the vases with water and take them to rooms in the hospital.
"The bulbs are about 75 years old. They multiply and have been shared over and over again. My daddy always told me they were meant to be shared. I’ve had florists offer to buy me out, but I just couldn’t do it.
"Daddy died 28 years ago. When I was invited to serve on the Commission of the 200th Anniversary of Hamilton County, I thought sharing the flowers was a perfect way of honoring my daddy and Hamilton County.
"I’ve run into people who have tuberoses. When I ask where they got them it’s always from someone I’ve given bulbs to.
"These flowers are so special - not only because of my daddy and I - but because I want to thank the crew of Hamilton County for taking such great care of them. They have grown so strong this year. The flowers smell like Gardenia and Honeysuckle. The guys also planted some along the Riverwalk for people to enjoy."
Lisa can be reached at