POINSETTIAS AVAILABLE FOR ORDER AT DHSS GREENHOUSE ON HOLLOWAY CAMPUS

NEW CASTLE (Nov. 20, 2012) - The greenhouse on the Holloway Campus of the Department of Health and Social Services near New Castle is a beautiful sea of reds, pinks and whites. Community purchases of holiday poinsettias, grown by clients and former clients of the Delaware Psychiatric Center, support vocational services for individuals recovering from serious and persistent mental illness.

More than 2,000 poinsettias now are available for order and pick-up at DHSS' DPC Industries Greenhouse. Available in red, white or pink, the 6.5-inch pots have to four to six blooms ($6.95 each, including pot cover and sleeve). For orders of 25 or more, the discounted price is $4.75 each, with free delivery available in New Castle County. Hanging poinsettia baskets, a 10-inch pot with seven blooms, are $12.95 each (no pot cover).

In addition to the traditional colors, the greenhouse also offers poinsettias in burgundy, punch, marble white and snow cap white.

To order, call (302) 255-2993 or fax an order to (302) 255-4457. Order deadline is Nov. 30.

"This is a great way to celebrate the holidays and to support employment opportunities for individuals with serious and persistent mental illness," said Rita Landgraf, secretary of the Department of Health and Social Services. "Along with Gov. Jack Markell, I share the view that people with disabilities represent an untapped resource in Delaware and nationwide."

All of the plants at DPC Industries Greenhouse are grown or produced by clients and former clients of DPC, under the guidance of DPC's trained horticulturist. Client salaries are derived from the sale of products, including those from the greenhouse.

DPC Industries Greenhouse is at 1901 N. DuPont Highway on the Herman Holloway Campus near New Castle. Follow the signs for the greenhouse.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.