TAKE A BREAK FROM WINTER IN WHEATON'S GREENHOUSE

Forget about those huge, gray piles of snow, and spend a few minutes away from winter in a lush, green tropical rain forest! Wheaton's greenhouse will host the first of two spring open houses and plant re-potting clinics on Wednesday, March 19 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and again from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Horticulturalist and greenhouse caretaker Jane Young, will start visitors on a free self-guided tour of the facility. See plants ranging from tropical to desert species.

A selection of plant specimens and dried herbs will be for sale, and cuttings of plants are available upon request. Visitors are also encouraged to bring a house plant (wrapped for cold protection) that they wish to re-pot and a pot two inches larger than the current container. The greenhouse staff will assist aspiring ''green thumbs'' as needed, and advise on proper plant care. A nominal fee is charged per plant to cover the cost of soil.

The greenhouse is located at the rear of the Science Building, and provides facilities for student and faculty research projects. For more information, please call Jane Young at 508-286-3943.

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