‘Blooms' will Benefit Family Flower Growers and Boost Eco-Tourism

‘Blooms' will Benefit Family Flower Growers and Boost Eco-Tourism

Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-9) unveiled the 2006 Maumee Valley Growers' flower of the year, the Purple Trailing Petunia, today during the annual Flower Day weekend at the Toledo Farmers' Market in Toledo's Warehouse District. Kaptur has been strongly advocating Lake Erie's south coast as Ohio's "Bloom Coast" and is encouraging stakeholders along the lakefront to showcase the areas natural assets in that endeavor. The purple trailing petunia was selected because of its vibrant beauty, availability, and ability to withstand heat and drought.

"Our coastal region can draw millions of visitors here annually by showcasing the beauty of our ‘Bloom Coast'. Lucas and Lorain Counties are Ohio's flower capitals. Homeowners, businesses, organizations and local governments can visually show their support by beautifying their own property and neighborhood," said Kaptur. "Through coordinated theme plantings, our region will draw visitors to lake-oriented experiences from Toledo to Cleveland as our region gains a reputation as the Cape Cod or Hilton Head of the Midwest. Our hope is that this will build a major, annual eco-tourism attraction, as the Maumee Valley Growers, Lake Erie Coastal Ohio and so many other entities pursue their efforts."

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http://www.kaptur.house.gov/PressRelease.aspx?NewsID=1513