flower image: Eastern Market Annual Flower Day

Growers selling their newest crops of annuals, perennials and vegetables mixed in the historic barns of Eastern Market on Sunday with the squeaking wheels of gardeners with their wagons piled high with colorful plants for the 40th annual Flower Day.

The event attracts thousands of professional and amateur green thumbs looking to plant their new gardens for the year or just find some colorful items to brighten up the house.

"It is a carnival atmosphere that prevails," said Dave Pund of Canton Township, as he pulled a homemade wooden cart that featured four levels of shelves to place his plants.

The day wasn't all about flowers for Janna Pryadkin and her daughter, Jenya, who took time away from browsing to decorate a flower pot at the Children's Activity Center.

The expanded center, along with entertainment, was among the new additions this year and pleased Pryadkin.

"This allows the children to do something while the parents are buying flowers," said Janna Pryadkin of Troy, who was attending her first Flower Day. "I've heard about it for three years, and every year I have tried to get out. It is great."

Edward L. Cardenas