NEW: Gov. Patrick Launches “Plant Something” Campaign

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Tuesday, May 01, 2012

GoLocalWorcester News Team

Gov. Deval Patrick this week joined students and horticulturists as well as state and school officials to launch the “Plant Something” campaign.

Patrick accompanied Massachusetts Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Richard K. Sullivan and Department of Agricultural Resources (DAR) Commissioner Greg Watson to put the focus on local florists and nurseries and encourage customers to shop at local gardens. The governor also announced May as Flower and Nursery Month, highlighting the state’s strong agricultural sector.

“It gives me great pleasure to recognize a $2-billion industry that helps to beautify Massachusetts and kick-off a program that will help enhance the outdoor learning experience for students here at the Mather School,” said Patrick. “I encourage everyone to go out and ‘Plant Something.’”

The greenhouse and nursery industry is the top contributor to Massachusetts agriculture, valued at $177 million in 2008 or 31 percent of the total cash receipts in the state, according to the New England Agricultural Statistics Service.

Massachusetts Flower Growers Association President Cindy Bertrand, of The Farmer’s Daughter at Hillcrest Farm in Auburn, noted that association members offer consumers a tremendous selection of quality flowers and plants.

“We want to make gardening easy, fun and successful for our customers,” she said. “We can give them individualized attention and knowledgeable advice on choosing what will work best for them so their gardens will burst with dazzling color. And with Mother’s Day coming up on Sunday, May 13, what could be a better gift in honor of those special mothers in our families than a beautiful, locally grown hanging basket or colorful planter?”