An array of vibrant colors and scents drew oohs and ahhs from gawkers who snapped pictures and took advantage of a rare chance to tour Lompoc's world-renowned flower businesses Saturday.

Three flower seed and cutting companies showed off their marigolds, mini-spice peppermints, wonderlands, geraniums, fuchsias and seemingly endless assortment of other varieties.

The companies that opened their doors were Bodger Seeds Ltd., Oglevee Ltd. and Floranova Creative Plant Breeding. Many of the plants will be donated to the Lompoc Valley Botanic and Horticultural Society for sale at that group's plant sale from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday in the Union Bank parking lot, 805 North H St. Donations for touring Bodger's greenhouses will benefit the Lompoc Beautification Commission. “This is a much bigger display than in previous years,” said Leonard Todd, a Beautification Commission member.

“We think it's a great opportunity to allow the public to see what we do,” said Lisa Ferrari, of Bodger Seeds. “They walk in and they are totally overwhelmed by the colors.”

The eye-popping display comes at a time when the seed companies are showing off their products to potential buyers. Bodger Seeds calls its weeklong sales pitch a pack trial. The visitors who took a peek Saturday appeared sold on what the seed companies had to offer.

Lydon Drewlow, the plant breeder for Oglevee, called the event an open house. “Geraniums in general are what Oglevee is known for,” he said.

“I'm seeing new things I've never seen before,” said Sharie Foster, of Tujunga, near Los Angeles. “The colors are spectacular. This is

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fantastic. It's absolutely lush and gorgeous. It's an orgy of colors and textures.”

Foster was among the many tourists who came in by bus to tour Bodger's greenhouse and see Lompoc.

“It's gorgeous. Their begonias are gorgeous,” said Evelyn Parker of Lompoc, who was admiring Oglevee's offerings.

Saturday's floral spectacle was a first for Margery Jacobson and her husband, Hilding. They have lived in Lompoc since 1969, but this was the first time they have toured Bodger's greenhouses.

“I think it's magnificent,” Margery said. “The colors really stand out. I like them all. It's breathtaking.”

Hilding was equally impressed. His favorites were the varieties that made good ground covering.

“There's more flowers here than I've seen in my entire life,” Hilding said.

Mark Abramson can be reached at 737-1057, or mabramson@

santamariatimes.com.

April 9, 2006