Vermilion in Bloom

About Vermilion in Bloom,
a Main Street Vermilion Program

Since 2003, Vermilion in Bloom has changed the way our town looks by brightening the streetscape throughout downtown with flowers, improving public gathering places, coordinating the addition of "urban friendly" trees, dressing the town for the holidays and so much more.

Their work delivers a sense of pride as visitors and residents alike marvel at the sight, even stopping to say "thanks" to the daily watering crews and Adopt a Garden folks for their dedication and volunteerism.

Volunteers make all the difference!
Would you like to join us? Here’s what you can do.

1 JOIN A WATERING TEAM…OR CREATE YOUR OWN   Every day in the summer, from mid-May to mid-October you’ll notice volunteers driving a VIB truck to water the hanging flower baskets, containers and street gardens around downtown. It is a fun way to meet new people, work with friends and see Vermilion wake-up in the mornings. You can volunteer once a week, once a month, or a few times a season based on your availability. Email Tina for details at tswine@yahoo.com.

2 YOU CAN ADOPT A GARDEN  Volunteers commit to tend a flowerbed during the season. It typically takes an hour or less per week. Gardeners check the flowers, deadhead spent blossoms, pull weeds, remove debris, and “fluff” the mulch. Contact, Diane Martin, at dm331956@yahoo.com if you are interested.

3 PLANT FLOWERS VIB volunteers plant flowers at assigned locations on Wednesday, May 11 and Thursday, May 12. If you are interested in helping, contact  dana.corogin@gmail.com

4 WORKING ON EVENTS As we return to more familiar times, VIB events will make a comeback. Volunteers are needed to plan and work the events, share culinary talents by making food, donate prizes, and help with the annual donation request mailing. 

2025 Calendar of Events and Activities

Join volunteers as they get the town ready for summer and watch Vermilion bloom! Be sure to bring garden gloves and tools.

Bridge Box Planting

Tues., April 8, 9:00 AM

Four Peaks Greenhouse

Bring garden gloves and trowel

Downtown Flower Planting & Mulching

Wednesday, May 7, 9:30 AM

Meet in Exchange Park

Bring garden gloves and tools

McGarvey’s Landing Planting & Mulching

Saturday, May 10, 9:00 AM

Meet at McGarvey’s Landing

Bring garden gloves and tools

Hanging Flower Basket Removal

- Date to be announced

Downtown Flower Removal

Wednesday, October 8, 9:00 AM

Meet in Exchange Park

Bring garden gloves and tools

Holiday Life Ring and Buoy Decorating for Light Poles

Saturday, November 22, 9:00 AM

Parks Dept. building on 5467 Ohio Street

Bring gloves, pliers, and hand pruners

Vermilion in Bloom Ladies Nights return for 2025!

Every year, Vermilion in Bloom hosts popular ladies nights to get us through winter and into the planting season. Wine, food and lively conversation fill the evening. Everyone is welcome and you’re sure to meet new people, see some familiar faces and learn more about what Vermilion in Bloom does for Vermilion. A $10 donation at the door is requested. Join us as we toast to another season of Vermilion in Bloom!

Thursday, Feb. 20, 7:00-9:00 PM
Vermilion Boat Club

It is time to have some fun! Let's get together at the Vermilion Boat Club for wine, appetizers, and desserts!

If you have time to make a dish to share, please bring it to the food table around 6:45. (We have discovered VIB volunteers are fabulous cooks in addition to their many other talents!)

Wednesday, April 2, 7:00-9:00 PM

Paper Moon Vineyards

Gardeners Fair

Vermilion in Bloom will be hosting the Gardeners Fair at Sailorway Middle School. The Gardeners Fair will feature fresh and dried flowers, plants, herbs, garden art, unique garden and outdoor items, original art & more!

April 26, 2025 | 9AM - 3PM

Sailorway Middle School

For more information or if you wish to be a vendor for the Gardeners Fair, please contact Sandy at 440.396.6966 or kishjordan@outlook.com.

We hope that you can support Vermilion in Bloom by joining us at the 17th Annual VIB Gardeners Fair.

History of Vermilion Life Rings

Vermilion’s early fame began with the shipbuilding industry in 1812 when Captain William Austin built the first schooner in Vermilion, the “Friendship”. From 1812 to 1924, these unique vessels carried iron, lumber and stone to the far reaches of the Great Lakes.

The authentic canvas life rings you see on display throughout the winter holidays are each hand painted with a vessel name and the year it was built, a tribute to our maritime heritage.

Main Street Vermilion Volunteer Appreciation Picnic

Wednesday, September 17, 5:30-7:30 PM at the Olympic Club

Third Thursdays

6PM - Sunset Downtown Vermilion

2025 Dates: May 15, June 19, July 17, August 21, September 18

Come downtown and enjoy all of the beautiful flowers Vermilion in Bloom volunteers have added to our downtown. Live music, shopping and dinning make for a lovely evening.

Event sponsored by the Vermilion Chamber of Commerce

VERMILION IN BLOOM STEERING COMMITTEE Dana Corogin, VIB Coordinator | Linda Biscup & Diane Martin, Adopt a Garden Coordinators | Sandy Kish Jordan, Gardener Fair Coordinator | Tina Swinehart, Watering Team Coordinator | Mary Moes, Seasonal Decorations Coordinator | Libby Davis Williams, VIB Representative to MSV Board