Greenwich Green And Clean Thanks Sam Bridge For Hanging Baskets

The following news release is from Greenwich Green And Clean

GREENWICH, CT — Each year around Memorial Day, spectacular Begonia-filled hanging baskets appear on Greenwich Avenue lampposts and along the Post Road into Cos Cob. This happens due to a special partnership begun in 2007 between Greenwich Green & Clean (GG&C) and Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses (Sam Bridge). Over 100 baskets are created by Sam Bridge and funded by GG&C.

The history of the hanging baskets goes back to 1987 when the founders of GG&C, Isabel and Peter Malkin, were inspired by baskets seen in Cooperstown, New York. The Town horticulturalist was commissioned to grow flowers for the baskets in the old greenhouses at the Montgomery Pinetum. The first display numbered only 18 baskets on Greenwich Avenue and four on the Post Road.

With Town participation, it was possible to expand the program and in 1988 winter baskets were added and became a shared project with GG&C volunteers working with the Town Trees & Parks Department. However, when in 2007, the Town was unable to continue funding the program, an arrangement was negotiated between Sam Bridge and GG&C which continues today.

GG&C works to raise funds to cover the cost of materials and the largest expense which is daily watering by a local contractor, but is most grateful to Sam Bridge for contributing their time not only to making the beautiful summer baskets but also to installing and removing them at no charge.

The winter baskets, with holiday trimmings, are handcrafted by volunteers including members of the Japanese community, using greenhouse workspace generously donated by Sam Bridge. GG&C is most appreciative of the invaluable contribution provided by the Sam Bridge team who are both artists and true philanthropists, enhancing the Town and the lives of those who live and work here as well as benefiting the stores on the Avenue.

Thanks to Sam Bridge and Greenwich Green & Clean donors we can look forward to summer and winter baskets continuing to grace our lampposts.