If people thought Austin had plenty of outdoor flower arrangements in 2011, they have another spring coming.

Once again, Hardy Geranium of Austin will feature its flowers among the planters and hanging baskets around Austin; and this year, there will be 240.

City officials presented Vicki Trimble, owner of Hardy Geranium, with the contract Wednesday morning at her business on Oakland Ave. The flower basket program, which started in 1995 with 164 baskets, is awarded to an area floral business each year to choose the types of flowers, grasses and other plants and where they will be placed around Austin.

The program is possible with the help of a $10,000 donation from the city of Austin, $10,000 from Hormel and $20,000 in donations from the community. That covers the cost of buying, planting, watering and paying employees to care for the plants throughout the spring and summer, said Bonnie Rietz, former Austin mayor.

For the second year, Hardy Geranium will feature its flowers in the hanging baskets; and it’s the first time its flowers will be in the planter boxes on the ground and along walkways. Though Trimble doesn’t make much profit from the contract herself, she is proud to have her flowers displayed around Austin.

“It’s sort of a pride kind of thing,” Trimble said.

Hardy Geranium has its flowers started at Hilltop Greenhouse in Hollandale, Minn, before they are delivered to Austin where Trimble and her staff tend to them. When planting begins in March, Trimble said she plans to mix up the variations with things like potato vines and grasses, among the numerous flower arrangements.

Those who want to donate to Austin’s flower basket program should contact city hall at 437-9400.