Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Francisca Rodriguez, or the "Los Muertos Pier Street," is a street in transition. This past April, the city made the final block to the pier a pedestrian-only street and the Puerto Vallarta Garden Club (PVGC) provided funds to put in trees, bougainvillea plants, and other flowers. Local artist, Natasha Moraga, has peppered it with charming mosaic benches.

The street has become a draw for many many people. It also promises to be a desirable dining destination point - both day and night.

Recently PV Garden Club member Suzanne Kirkpatrick interviewed Cyndi Alpenia, the owner of Archie's Wok. She expressed excitement and optimism about the potential for outdoor tables and chairs at the many restaurants on the street, and those of us who enjoy al fresco dining look forward to the restaurant reopening in early October. Cyndi has been extremely helpful in creating a very attractive garden in front of her restaurant.

The city of Puerto Vallarta has put in little cement blocks as part of their landscaping, and the restaurant has filled them with grass (called adoquin), and laid flagstone stepping stones to make it more attractive and safer to walk on. It is a beautiful addition to the street. Plus, Archie's Wok has taken responsibility to maintain this space.

Adjacent to Archie's Wok are palms, bougainvillea, and crotons, augmented with impatiens and, amusingly, a cantaloupe vine. Bob Price of the Vallarta Botanical Gardens added a favorite red hibiscus that drapes rather than climbs.

As high season approaches, PV Garden Club encourages all the businesses on Fca. Rodriguez to join Cyndi in beautifying their storefronts. The Garden Club is pleased to raise funds to provide trees and plants in various parts of the city, but they are unable to provide the people-power to weed, water, and trim them.

Beautifying the city is all of our responsibility. We hope that Puerto Vallarta will develop a stronger reputation as a vacation destination through all of our efforts and help strengthen our economy.

Please contact Bonnie Mott, PVGC President, at bonmott(at)hotmail.com if you can help, or if you have an idea how we can assist you in helping the beautification effort.