RUMFORD — Hope Associates clients have been busy planting seedlings for the past two weeks, and soon, vegetable seeds will be planted for gardeners in the River Valley area.

Patty Flaherty, manager of the Brian Patch Greenhouse, said that although the greenhouse won’t officially open for another few weeks, gardeners wanting to find out what’s available are welcome to visit. They can also buy some of the hardy seedlings.

Flaherty advises against it, unless the plants will be located in the house, but she understands.

“This sunshine makes us want to play out in the dirt,” she said.

New this year is a large variety of succulents, some, like hens and chickens, that can be planted outside, others, such as holy jade and zebra plants, are best kept indoors.

Along with the vegetable seeds, clients will also soon be planting many varieties of herb seeds, some in larger pots than usual.

The nonprofit greenhouse is one of the vocational programs offered to the 52 developmentally challenged individuals served by Hope Associates. More than 40 of the clients help out with the multitude of tasks needed in the greenhouse.

The popular nonprofit business also takes specialty orders, such as creating themed window boxes, and offers hanging baskets of flowers and flower pillows for Memorial Day.

When the greenhouse officially opens for the season, hours will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.

Flaherty hopes future customers won’t wait that long.

“We like to have visitors,” she said.

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