Close to 3,000 conservatory-grown poinsettias lined the long passageways of the Plant and Soil Sciences Building Conservatory Thursday as part of the 15th annual open house.

The open house raised money for student labor at the greenhouses through plant purchases and provided holiday cheer for more than 200 people in attendance.

Visitors had the opportunity to enjoy cookies, hot cider and Christmas music while perusing the premises in search of the traditional Christmas flowers.

“There’s not the high pressure to hurry along because the lines aren’t as long and people can spend more time here,” said Doug Badgero, manager of the Horticulture Department’s greenhouse and gardens. Badgero has participated in the event for 15 years.

Numerous children’s activities, including scavenger hunts, storytelling and cut-out snowflakes, contributed to the family friendly atmosphere, and Santa was scheduled to make an appearance.

“It’s more of a get-together, family type feel as opposed to going to the mall, where there’s people going in and out of stores,” said Jason Krause, a hospitality business junior who attended the event for the first time Thursday.

Visitors also were able to benefit from the product’s durability.

“Many people have come in over the years and said the poinsettias they buy here last longer than any store’s,” said Dan Bulkowski, supervisor of the annual trial gardens.

Bulkowski said the conservatory’s plants are homegrown as his reason for their longevity.

A 16-foot-tall Christmas tree constructed of stacked poinsettia plants highlighted some of the other festivities, which included evening lights that reflected off the glass and helped set the mood.

A number of donated Christmas trees decorated by volunteers and students from local elementary schools also were on display in the conservatory.

“It’s pretty festive around here. Everyone’s in pretty good spirits,” Bulkowski said.