Ellicott City is about to get more beautiful.

Blossoms of Hope: The Howard County Cherry Tree Project has awarded a $1,000 grant to the Ellicott City Restoration Foundation for the establishment of a fund for "beautification projects" in the Historic District.

"We  believe the town plays an integral role in our project's success," Blossoms of Hope Executive Director Victoria Goodman said in a statement, noting that two of the organization's cherry tree groves are in Ellicott City. 

Given the ECRF's "longtime, well-respected stewardship of the historic town," Goodman wrote, "We are confident that this donation will be used to further Ellicott City as an attraction during Howard County Cherrybration Days blossoming season and beyond."

The beautification fund will be ongoing, according to ECRF President Ed Lilley, who said in a statement that the Foundation is "thrilled" to receive the money and  "very much looking forward to projects that will enhance the charm and beauty of the town.

"We would encourage others to consider donations as this will be an ongoing fund designed to install new plants and replace or renew existing garden areas."

Currently the ECRF, the Ellicott City Business Association and the Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks are working together to create garden areas that businesses, organizations and individuals can adopt.