Mill Creek Park celebrates flowers, plants, vegetables

YOUNGSTOWN – Flowers, plants and vegetables in a multitude of colors and sizes greeted visitors to Mill Creek MetroPark’s Davis Center.

Pink, yellow, red, orange and lavender flowers standing in green glass bottles lined tables Sunday on one side of the center, located in Fellows Riverside Gardens.

On the other side of the building, vegetables were placed to show off their perfection. Floral arrangements made with pieces of wood, vases, metal sculptures and even a violin, with flowers tucked artfully throughout, were displayed along two walls. The sounds of piano music, played by Julian Cicatiello, filled the building.

The show was sponsored by the Garden Forum, an umbrella organization for area women’s garden clubs, and Mill Creek MetroParks, said Anita Wesler, a horticulture educator. It is one of several they host annually.

“A lot of people love to not only grow their flowers, but they love to display them,” Wesler said, “so this gives them a venue to do that.”

The public and members of garden clubs are welcome to participate. Ribbons are awarded in several categories. The number of participants varies by season, and what the growing season has been like, Wesler said.