There’s an unusual sight popping up on the South Side: Tulips are blooming — in the middle of a Chicago winter.
Southside Blooms, the flower shop of Englewood-based nonprofit Chicago Eco House, 6250 S. Morgan St., is growing 18,000 tulips indoors for a good cause. The program — which has been featured on TV — is known for creating jobs for at-risk youth and converting vacant lots into community assets.
Tulips typically pop up in the spring, but Southside Blooms’ staff members are growing varieties in batches at the Eco House, then harvesting them for local youth to sell through Southside Blooms, said farm manager Travis Wilkinson.
Wilkinson said the project is “super exciting.” He expects the tulips to be a popular pick for people who want to skip roses for Valentine’s Day. People can buy delivered bouquets and gifts here, including a Valentine’s Day bundle for $75.
Read more at blockclubchicago.org
