More than 100 people toured Cobourg’s municipal greenhouses on Saturday for an annual open house showcasing the flowers and plants that will soon brighten parks, flower beds and hanging baskets across town.
Held at the Thompson Street greenhouse facility in Cobourg’s east end, the event gave residents a behind-the-scenes look at how thousands of annuals and perennials are grown each year by town staff.
Parks staff were on hand throughout the day answering gardening questions, leading guided tours and explaining the process of seeding and transplanting flowers before they are planted around the community.
Cobourg horticulturalist Rick Cromlish said more than 100,000 plants and flowers are cultivated at the greenhouses annually before being distributed throughout the town.
“There’s a ton of work preparing and eventually planting throughout the town, but it’s one of those things we love doing,” said Cromlish.
“It’s a lot of work, but it’s fun to see it grow from seed to evolve into finished plants.”
Cromlish said approximately 300 hanging baskets will once again brighten the downtown core this summer.
Visitors asked questions ranging from greenhouse operations to plant care and the amount of time required to grow and maintain the flowers.
“People were very knowledgeable and it was great having the chance to speak with the citizens,” said Cromlish.
Staff typically begin assembling and preparing hanging baskets in mid-April, with planting and installation throughout Cobourg beginning in mid-June.
Sponsors for the event included the Cobourg Garden Club and Baltimore Valley Garden Centre.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
