It may not be Florida, but for green-deprived Riverwesters at this time of the year, the next best thing to going south is to visit Kellner’s Greenhouses, the Garden of the Month for March.

The business at 3258 N. Humboldt has continued, even after the death of proprietor Paulette Dembowiak last October, thanks to the efforts of a committed handful of volunteers.

One step inside the greenhouses and winter gives way to flowering orchids and poinsettias, leafy houseplants, rows of succulents and cacti. The eye candy is delicious: mosaic-leafed coleus, bright-blooming azalea, fragrant narcissus, jewel-like cyclamen, stunning amaryllis. It isn’t necessary to buy a thing.

Anchor-person Kathy Casper welcomes strollers and anyone who wants to escape the winter blahs. Kellner Greenhouses are a neighborhood treasure – open 10 am 5 pm every day except Monday, and a lot closer than the Mitchell Park Domes.

March 15 is the date for “Escape to the Tropics” at Kellner’s. Fun for all ages will include a scavenger hunt, a raffle, even tropical drinks. This indoor festival will run 10 am to 4 pm and everyone who reads this paper is invited.