Cantigny Park was transformed into a sea of red at their annual Shades of Crimson Poinsettia Display.
This one-day event showcased all 3,500 individual poinsettias of 14 varieties, grown on site. The plants came to Cantigny as three-inch cuttings and after six months of care, bloomed a beautiful flower just in time for the holidays.
“It’s a good plant for Christmas time, its bright colors and just lightens up a dark time of year,” said Matthew Lehmann, Greenhouse Manager at Cantigny Park.
The flowers weren’t just for show; nearly half were used for fundraising at the Rotary Club. Another 400 are used to decorate Cantigny’s parks and museums.
Others were picked up by the public, at an on-site sale.
If you missed the event you can still purchase a poinsettia at Cantigny visitor center and golf shop. Any remaining plants will be donated to local nursing homes and non-profits.
