Keeping Sandusky green

This story was included in the April 2026 edition of Sandusky Living Magazine. SANDUSKY — When driving around Sandusky, locals and visitors alike will notice the vibrant flowers and greenery around landmarks like the Boy with the Boot and throughout the city's parks. But who is responsible for such beauty? The answer dates to the early 1900s when a group of residents went on a trip to Chicago to see how that city managed its gardens. This is when plans to build the Sandusky Greenhouse began. Since its initial construction, on Franklin Street across from Huron Park, the greenhouse has been responsible for all the greenery found around the city. "It's fun. It's a hundred-plus-year tradition," Amy Wyatt, greenhouse foreman, said. "That's what makes it special." What's inside The greenhouse site itself has improved over the years. To name a few more recent upgrades: • What started as glass panes are now polycarbonate panels, • The floor and lights were redone, • The benches are new for accessibility, and • A new heater was added to the building. Changes were made, but the key purpose of beautifying the city has remained the same throughout the decades. In the past, only the wealthy could afford flowers and landscaping, according to Wyatt. She said it was a big deal for a city to offer a place for everyone to enjoy. "It's here for the beautification of the parks in Sandusky and education," Wyatt said. "It's building community involvement and community partnerships. And the parks, I personally feel like (they) draw in people. It's a green space for people." The greenhouse is open to the public from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Inside the structure Most of the plants, flowers and other greenery that can be found in the greenhouse will end up in the city's parks and downtown area, according to Wyatt. Other plants, including vegetables and herbs, that do not end up contributing to the city's aesthetic are sold by the greenhouse volunteers at markets and festivals throughout the year to raise money for greenhouse improvements. Wyatt estimates there are about 30,000 cuttings, smaller plants cut from bigger plants, along with a section of tropical plants in the greenhouse, all of which are used to decorate the city before returning to the greenhouse at the end of their season. The greenhouse also offers palm and fern rentals for events such as weddings, graduations and school events, with details available on its website. The greenhouse's interior is also kept looking inviting. It is open to public visits, events and educational school trips. Several organizations and community members have used the calming environment as a meeting space, study area or a place to relax. The greenhouse also hosted its own yoga events throughout the winter months. Friends of the Greenhouse In addition to the list of financial supporters the greenhouse mentions on its website — the Erie County Community Foundation, The Kellogg Foundation, The Wightman-Wieber Foundation, The Frohman Foundation, The Mylander Foundation and Zion Lutheran Church — Wyatt also thanked the community's support for the greenhouse's continued success. She specifically mentioned Friends of the Greenhouse, an organization that funds and maintains the greenhouse operations, according to the greenhouse website. The committee volunteers to plant flowers, landscape the parks, water flowers and promote the parks. The greenhouse is also supported by the Green Fund, which was created by the Sandusky City Tree Commission in 1990, according to the greenhouse website. Donations are used to revitalize the parks and public areas.