The 27th annual Paul Martin Perennial Plant Sale at Jackson Park attracted thousands of gardening enthusiasts armed with wagons, bins, and wheelbarrows on Saturday. Eager attendees lined up hours before the 8 a.m. opening to secure the best deals and plant selections.
James Chacko, the executive director of parks and facilities for the City of Windsor, compared the excitement to Christmas morning. Some dedicated individuals began queuing as early as 5:15 a.m., with the lineup stretching beyond Catholic Central High School by 7 a.m.
More than 1,670 people attended the event, with nearly 1,000 rushing into the greenhouse within the first 40 minutes. Last year’s sale, held at the new greenhouse facility, drew around 1,200 attendees.
Chacko observed attendees eagerly darting towards their desired plants, reflecting the enthusiasm generated by the event, which signals the arrival of spring.
Fifty volunteers from the Windsor parks and recreation department assisted gardeners of all skill levels, providing a valuable opportunity for engagement with the horticulture staff.
City gardeners diligently prepared plant material over the past months for the sale, maintaining consistent pricing to offer unique plants at attractive prices.
This marks the second year the sale took place at the new greenhouse at Jackson Park, following the closure of the former facility at Lanspeary Park in 2022. Chacko highlighted the benefits of the modern space, emphasizing its size and convenience for events and daily gardening operations.
Proceeds from the sale contribute to the Paul Martin Garden at Willistead Park, supporting the horticulture team’s efforts in crafting this year’s garden design and upcoming planting activities.