ROCHELLE — Start with an old bike and some flowers, add a pinch of creativity and voila — it becomes your very own masterpiece. The Rochelle Garden Club and Rochelle Chamber of Commerce invite the community to participate in the “Bikes in Bloom” event.

“Join us in decorating old bicycles or any pedal-powered vehicles,” Carolyn Cryer, Rochelle Garden Club member said. “Individuals, businesses, and organizations can help bring a vibrant show of color to the community.”

Cryer speaks fondly of the project, which she originally was inspired to begin several years ago after a trip to Buffalo, New York. Bikes decorated with flowers lined the streets in front of homes and businesses.

Previously the garden club has sponsored the event as a contest; however, this year’s Bikes in Bloom is strictly for showcasing the community’s creativity.

“People get excited about beautification, and it brings such a nice variety of creativity from everyone,” Cryer said. “The last time we had this, there were so many neat bikes displayed throughout the town. We have had such a great response with it.”

Here are some tips to create some razzle-dazzle while growing those wheels: Find an old bicycle, tricycle, big wheel — anything non-motorized with wheels and pedals; decorate it with plants and flowers and add accessories and signage that best describes you, your organization, or business; display or “plant” for everyone to see and enjoy as they walk, run, or pedal the streets of our community this summer.