It all started with a row of marigolds!

In 1988, Pam Sturm from Fox Valley Nursery decided to add some curb appeal along South Oneida Street and planted about 50 feet of marigolds. In the following years, she continued her quest by planting alternating yellow and orange marigolds along the curb. Businesses along South Oneida Street admired the flowers so much that they wanted marigolds planted in front of their businesses. John Law of Law Reality also wanted every resident between the businesses to have flowers. Thus, began what is know today as The Marigold Mile.

With the help of volunteers, under the direction of Fox Valley Nursery, marigolds were planted, weeded, and watered each year. In return, the volunteers were able to earn community service hours.

In 2007, the marigold projects was converted to a non-profit organization called The Marigold Mile, Inc. Currently, The Marigold Miles plants approximately 8,000 to 10,000 marigolds on the boulevards of South Oneida Street from the Skyline Bridge south to Calumet Street and other streets beyond The Marigold Mile.

While they may be small, the marigolds make a difference. It is not only a community project, but it brightens your heart and your day. The Marigold Mile gained so much popularity that in 2016, then Mayor Tim Hanna proclaimed the marigold as Appleton’s official flower.