By CHRISTINE GALEONE

Spring is finally here. The days are growing longer. More birds are tweeting outside our windows early in the morning. And in Grafton, there are many flowers in bloom. Likewise, there are signs of the season popping up in communities and businesses around town.

But like those flowers, Grafton businesses and organizations sometimes need a little encouragement and support to truly flourish. And some of them, in turn, are also helping nature’s beauty to thrive.  

A springtime event that’s much anticipated is an annual plant sale. On Wednesday May 10, Community Harvest Project will give early access to its annual Plantapalooza online plant sale to its monthly givers. Then, it will hold its annual plant sale for everyone from Thursday, May 11 through Sunday, May 14. Plants can be ordered online and picked up on Friday, May 19 and Saturday, May 20. The North Grafton non-profit farm that supports hunger relief in Massachusetts will have all kinds of plants for sale, from annuals to heirloom vegetables. Information can be found by going to https://community-harvest.org/events/.

Perreault Nursery & Landscape Supply, which is located in North Grafton as well, re-opened for the season recently. Among other things, it sells a variety of flowers, bushes, trees, mulch, soil, yard and garden supplies and gifts. Additionally, its landscape design and installation services are available for purchase.

One North Grafton farm that returns in the spring each year is Houlden Farm. The multi-generational family-owned business sells a variety of its produce along with dairy items, baked goods and more. Recently, it has been working diligently to be able to continue operations of its Sunflower Shanty beer garden. After working with the Town to draft Article 29, the farm has been encouraging Grafton residents to attend the Town Meeting on Monday, May 8 at 7 p.m. at the Grafton High School Auditorium and vote for the Article if they would like to see the full return of the Sunflower Shanty. 

Koopman Lumber, the hardware and paint store in North Grafton, is also well prepared for the growing seasons. Besides selling a varied selection of items that shoppers can use to enjoy spending time outdoors, all of its locations now have an abundance of flowers in their greenhouses. 

Over in South Grafton, Pete’s Oasis at Blackstone River Farm has annuals, perennials, hanging baskets, house plants, herbs and more to create beautiful gardens. The family-owned garden center recently re-opened for the season. 

The Grafton Garden Club has an annual event for residents to look forward to. On Saturday, May 13 from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. on the Grafton Common, the nonprofit will hold its annual plant sale and raffle. This year’s event will also include a planting activity for children. Additionally, the club is now accepting applications and fees to utilize a 20-feet by 20-feet garden plot for 2023 in the Lee Knowlton Community Garden. More information can be found on the club’s website, graftongardenclub.org.

And those who want a frozen treat after all that gardening might want to head to North Grafton.  Swirls & Scoops, the ice cream and frozen yogurt shop has re-opened its windows for the season.

Our local businesses and organizations need support all throughout the year. But spring seems to be a particularly perfect time to help them grow and flourish.

Contact Christine with your business news items at [email protected].