Over 600 people attended and over $5,000 was raised for local charities during the 1st Annual Monterey Bay Greenhouse Growers Open House held on Saturday, June 19, 2010. Seven local greenhouse farms—B & H Flowers, Inc., California Floral Greens, California Pajarosa, Jacobs Farm, Kitayama Brothers, Pacific Plug & Liner, and Succulent Gardens—all opened their greenhouse doors to provide a one day event to educate and explain what’s locally ‘growing on’ under those glass roofs.
Guests enjoyed the opportunity to learn about a wide variety of locally grown products ranging from cut flowers, potted plants, succulents, ornamental greens, herbs & vegetables. Along with presenting the various stages of growing, the different tours touched on specific growing techniques, the importance of sustainability practices, water recycling and conservation and many more ‘behind the scenes’ techniques that otherwise go on unknown to the average consumer.
“My family has been growing flowers for over one-hundred years,” shared Stuart Kitayama, Operations Manager for Kitayama Brothers. “Our family never really thought to open our greenhouses up to the public before we started planning this event. I guess we assumed that people wouldn’t be that interested, so the large turnout, interest and support was a wonderful surprise.”
The inaugural event also drew the attendance of Congressman Sam Farr (D-CA17), who, while touring the various greenhouses, took a moment to share his thoughts with the other local attendees highlighting his support and appreciation for the local greenhouse farms.
“These greenhouse farms are important culturally and economically to our area,” shared the Congressman. “I’m pleased and impressed to see the local turnout and support for them and their event. This event is a wonderful opportunity for our community to see, learn and support our local greenhouse farms and the products they grow here.”
“We weren’t sure what to expect,” said Paul Furman, sales manager of California Pajarosa, a specialty rose grower. “But I think the positive response we received and the funds we were able to raise for Santa Cruz Cancer Benefit Trust give us a lot to consider in planning for next year. One more thing for us to grow!”
The event was sponsored by the California Cut Flower Commission, Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture, American Ag Credit, K W Commercial Real Estate, Rabobank, Mountain Shore Inc., Robert Mann Packaging, Systems USA, Growers Logistics, LLC, and San Francisco Flower Mart.
Source: Monterey Bay Greenhouse Growers