By ALEXANDER SIMONE

Staff writer

Susan Good says maintaining Peabody’s flowerbeds is about more than the beauty of spring blossoms.

It is a chance to care for a legacy that has been passed on to her and share it with others.

“Some of the tulips that bloom every year were planted by my father,” she said. “That had to be 10 years ago.”

Maintaining the flowerbed in front of Peabody Market is more than a family tradition, it brings out the people of Peabody, Good said.

“As I’ve gotten older, I’ve had a ton of help,” she said. “If I went to list everyone who has helped, I don’t even know that I could.”

Young adults and teens from Peabody are especially helpful, Good said.

“There are kids who will stop and help if they see me trying to move a pot,” she said. “They’re in their car, and will pull in and offer to help. That’s small town living, right?”

While impromptu assistance is appreciated, consistent involvement is needed as well, resident N.M. Patton said.

“It makes Peabody more inviting,” he said. “I don’t think we’re doing the best job of it right now, including myself.”

There are also several pots along Main St., which have been spruced up by Main St. business owners, Patton said.

There is no official organization for managing the flowers, but Good said she sees Patton as one of the leaders.

“I look at N.M., and he’s a ringleader,” she said. “I do run things by him a lot. Somebody has to be in charge.”

One of the keys with getting assistance is timing, Good said.

“I just pull in people as somebody might be able to help,” she said. “I’m good at gathering them because I’m not afraid to ask.”

Part of being able to approach individuals is taking pride in the flowerbeds, George said.

“It’s not my garden, it’s our garden,” she said. “This is where we live, and the more you can get involved, the better.”

Perennials are some of her favorites, but Good said knockout roses are good for their extended blossom.

“You need to prune them once a year, but they bloom all summer long,” she said.