Watering hundreds of colorful pansies, Wakefield Valley Nursery owner Frank Vleck expressed his excitement for the upcoming Flower & Jazz Festival in Westminster. Vleck, of New Windsor, has been a longtime vendor at the event.
"It's the highlight of the spring," Vleck said.
The annual Flower & Jazz Festival will be held 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 7, in downtown Westminster. Downtown will be closed to traffic but thriving with the scents of beautiful flowers, the sounds of incredible jazz and the sights of wonderfully talented crafters. Every mother who attends will be given a free flower and families can find that last-minute gift for Mother's Day.
"Most people are looking for a gift for mom," Vleck said. "I tend to ask customers what color their mom likes most and go from there."
Vleck said buyers are looking for bright and vibrant flowers.
"It's all about color. People want color in their yard as long as possible," Vleck said. "Purple has been the biggest seller this year."
To meet the demand, Vleck has created Ravens, Redskins and Steelers pots with color coordinated annuals for the event. He also plans to sell some perennials like lilac shrubs so mothers can enjoy their gift year after year.
Vleck's family bought their New Windsor farm in 1961. He started growing flowers as a hobby while in high school, planting shrubs in the corner of his father's cornfield.
"By the time I graduated from Mount St. Mary's, I had enough stock to go into business full-time," Vleck said.
Twelve years ago, Vleck began growing everything in containers.
"I wanted to do things that required less labor and were easier to move," Vleck said. "Container plants can be marketed all year, and I have the freedom to design my own containers."
Many of Vleck's plants require full sun. He encourages buyers to water their plants every other day and every day in very hot areas.
Richfield Farm owner Ian Seletzky, of Manchester, will be selling his plants at the festival for the fifth year.
"We'll have mixed hanging baskets, herb plants and whatever else is ready," Seletzky said.
Fresh Flowers LLC and White House Nursery owner Marilyn Sparks, of Upperco, has been a festival vendor for 10 years.
"People tend to want color or bright foliage," Sparks said. "Right now, the dahlias and combination planters are really popular."
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If you go
What: Flower & Jazz Festival
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 7
Where: Downtown Westminster
Cost: Free
For more information
