Page 2 of 2
The company prepared a special mix of soil specifically designed for the plants being used in Bradley Beach. The mix contains time-released minerals which last throughout the year.
Bianchi says he will put some of the mixture into all of the borough’s plants to make them grow quickly and last as long as possible.
Swanekamp also visited the borough to survey the grounds and make recommendations based on the town’s specific needs.
“He helped us with the layout,” said Bianchi. “He looked at our plots and designed and recommended different types of flowers.”
According to Marchak-Ortiz the entire program was made possible after Mayor Stephen Schueler donated some of the proceeds of his annual clam bake to the building of the greenhouse.
“He loves flowers,” said Marchak-Ortiz, “the mayor came up with the scheme because we were spending a lot on flowers. We started with a mini-greenhouse.”
Bianchi further explained that after the nor’easter of 1992 the beachfront was destroyed.
“Some serious landscaping was needed,” he said.
At that time they started with a make-shift greenhouse of wood and plastic.
“Over the years, the concrete floor was added,” said Bianchi, “and then the roof and sides.”
The entire building is climate controlled with automatic ventilation systems and 700 sprinkler heads. Bianchi estimates its worth at about $75,000.
The building is checked twice a day by public works employees and the sprinklers are turned on every two days.
After the spring planting, the summer plants will be potted and grown until they are ready to be planted in May. The summer flowers will contain a variety of colors, in what is called “a party mix.”
“We are trying something different,” said Bianchi.
He added they will plant between 5,000 to 8,000 annuals for the summer, along with 15,000 perennials for the beach front.
Marchak-Ortiz said they also have cannis plant bulbs growing in pots, which are split and replanted when they start to sprout. She said they should yield as many as 4,000 plants eventually.
The cannis plants, which sprout flowers that grow up to four feet, will line the boardwalk area along with hanging baskets containing a different combination of a party mix.
Marchak-Ortiz credits Bianchi with the success of the greenhouse project.
“Without Richie, we couldn’t have done this,” she said.
Bianchi said that as the first female councilperson in charge of public works, Marchak-Ortiz has done an exemplary job.
“I spend a lot of time with them,” said Marchak-Ortiz, “I’m learning all the time.”
Summing up their combined efforts Bianchi said, “Last year it looked good, this year it’s going to look great.”
Read more about your town by picking up The Coaster at your local newsstand or subscribe today.
Published every Thursday.
Pages: 1 2