US (CA): Annual Monterey Bay open house attracts flower fans

The annual Monterey Bay Open House attracted big crowds who were able to tour California Pajarosa Floral, Kitayama Brothers, Four Winds Growers and Succulent Gardens-some of the area's most popular and prestigious flower farms.

An event in advance of the tour drove outstanding traffic and included a fun, floral design competition among local candidates who are running for office. That event, and the media coverage that followed, provided yet another opportunity to connect with consumers who continue to crave locally grown blooms.

Robert Kitayama (far left) talks with Jimmy Panetta (middle) and Santa Cruz Supervisor, Zach Friend, on a tour of the Kitayama Brothers Greenhouse.

Now in its seventh year, the open house has raised more than $35,000 for area nonprofits and has gone a long way toward connecting the community to the "buy local" movement.

Guests of the Monterey Bay Open House brought home fresh, locally grown flowers.

Check out the Flickr gallery to get a sense of the event.

For more information:
California Cut Flower Commission
PO Box 90225, Santa Barbara, CA
93190-0225
www.ccfc.org