URI Master Gardeners Donate Poinsettias To RI Retirement Homes

KINGSTON, RI — Several Rhode Island nursing homes look a lot brighter this holiday season, thanks to donations from the University of Rhode Island's Master Gardeners. The organizations gave more than 650 poinsettias to retirement communities throughout the state.

The plants were grown as part of the North American Poinsettia Trials, which is an annual research program to help commercial growers learn more about growth stages, leaf structure, colors and blooms of different poinsettia varieties. Along with traditional red flowers, the organization donated white, pink, variegated, yellow and other colors.

"Our ability to participate in propagation trials all these years has been a win-win for the commercial poinsettia growers and our plant-loving URI Master Gardener volunteers," said Kate Venturini, the program administrator. "And this year, our ability to spread some colorful cheer during this dark time is icing on the cake."

The group grew approximately 1,400 poinsettias in total this season, and sold about half to faculty and staff at the university to support educational programs. The donated flowers, a popular symbol of the Christmas season, went to facilities across the state, including the Rhode Island Veterans Home in Bristol, the Little Sisters of the Poor in Pawtucket Brightview Commons and Brookdale South Bay in South Kingstown, the Village at Waterman Lake in Smithfield, South County Hospital and the South Kingstown Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

"I just know these plants will lift the spirits of our residents during this difficult time," said Sister Mary Vincent, collecting sister at the Jeanne Jugan Residence of the Little Sisters of the Poor.