Green thumb: Residents flock to city’s annual plant sale

Thousands of residents attended the annual Paul Martin Perennial Plant Sale at the City of Windsor’s Greenhouse on May 3, 2025. (Robert Lothian/CTV News Windsor)

A long line of garden enthusiasts waited along McDougall Street Saturday morning in an effort to be the first inside the 28th Annual Paul Martin Perennial Plant Sale.

Organized by the City of Windsor, the event offered more than 100 different types of plants, flowers and shrubs.

“There was a great turnout first thing in the morning. We had people lined up all the way to Catholic Central, and it’s steady throughout the rest of the day,” said James Chacko, the city’s executive director of parks, recreation and facilities.

As of about 11 a.m., Chacko said more than 1,500 had walked through the doors of the city’s greenhouse.

While the sale garners attention from planting experts, it also marks an opportunity for budding first-time growers.

“I think it’s something that people have a real passion for, whether it’s what your career is or if you just have a weekend green thumb,” Chacko added.

Outside the greenhouse, members of the Greater Windsor Horticultural Society were helping residents eager to learn about native plants, butterflies and native insects.

Susan Tobias, the society’s membership director, told CTV News there’s been increasing interest in gardening from residents.

“I think a lot has to do with growing your own vegetables, your own food. You don’t have to go to the grocery store to get all these great things, but a lot of people love to plant flowers, and there’s so many flowers and so many colours and beautiful products,” she said.

When asked about the biggest mistake gardeners make, Tobias noted it is often the hesitancy to try the hobby.

“Well, you just try. You plant it here, you see if it grows, if it doesn’t grow, then you know, ‘Okay, I’m going to try planting it over there instead,’” she explained.

Rather than a green thumb, Tobias said the most important ingredient for gardening is enthusiasm.

For the city, the sale is an annual effort the support the Paul Martin Gardens at Willistead Park.

On average, Chacko estimated the sale can generate between $50,000 to $75,000 depending on attendance.