By Amelia Tarallo
Hometown Weekly Staff
For decades, planting season has been heralded by Pansy Day in Needham. Last year’s celebration was canceled due to COVID-19, a first for the tradition that has notoriously happened during all weather conditions. But like pansies, the community is feeling the warmth of spring - and all are ready to come out for the season. These hardy flowers and their Needham origins were celebrated on Saturday, April 10.
Anyone who has ever attended Pansy Day knows the fanfare that comes with it. In years past, there have been animal shows, pony rides, and bounce houses. This year’s celebration was a bit toned down, with a focus placed on the Heirloom Shop and the pansy sale. People were eager to pick out unique antiques in the schoolroom. “This is perfect,” said one customer as she showed her friend a pansy-decorated plate. Many patrons purchased their items and then dashed to grab some flowers to plant in their yards.
Needhamites salute pansies each year to recognize the work of Denys Zirngiebel. Zirngiebel was a successful botanist that developed the award-winning Giant Swiss Pansy. His work helped popularize pansies. Today, these hardy flowers can be seen all over the country.
With over a year since the last Pansy Day, people were excited to check out everything for the 2021 celebration. The positive energy was felt by all as they browsed through the heirloom shop and picked out pansies. “Seeing people after what felt like such a long hibernation is fantastic. Having such a beautiful day and seeing people come out so enthusiastically,” said Executive Director Gloria Greis of the Needham History Center and Museum. “Everyone’s emerging in the spring sun, like the pansies!”
In years past, the supply of pansies has lasted throughout the event. This year’s celebration saw a majority of the colorful flowers sold by 11:30, with only a few large planters and hanging plants left. For organizers, it was a sign that Pansy Day was well-missed. “This is probably the best sale that we’ve had in three or four years. We’re very grateful for the turnout and the way that people have supported our pansy sale. I think they’ve been waiting for us, I think,” said Kathy D’Addesio, secretary of the Needham History Center. Just as pansies were about to sell out, Gary Graham of the Needham Garden Center came in with a restock of flowers. Within minutes, they were again in short supply.
This year’s Pansy’s Day was far from normal, but still brought out members of the community in masked droves to celebrate both the spring and these tiny, but mighty, flowers. As much as anything else, it was a nod to normalcy as the pandemic hopefully comes to a close.
