Take a summer stroll through White Lake, and you’ll notice something special blooming along sidewalks, businesses, hanging baskets, and the scenic causeway—petunias. These vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers aren’t just a pretty backdrop; they’re a deeply rooted part of Montague’s identity.
But how did the petunia become the flower of Montague?
It started with a vote. Decades ago, the Montague Chamber of Commerce asked residents to help choose an official city flower. The people spoke—loud and clear—and the petunia came out on top with 47 votes, far outpacing the iris, gladiolus, and bachelor button. It wasn’t just about beauty. The petunia’s adaptability, long bloom time, and ease of care made it the perfect fit for local window boxes and garden beds. A local committee, including area florists, encouraged residents to plant them everywhere and even planned contests for the best petunia displays.
From there, the tradition grew. Literally.
In the early 1990s, former Montague mayor Chet Pecak helped launch one of the city’s most iconic floral landmarks: the petunia-lined causeway along Dowling Street and the White River. Fueled by a love for Montague and a desire to make the town even more beautiful, Pecak personally coordinated the planting. Weesies Brothers Plant Farm (now Weesies Bros. Garden Centers & Landscaping) provided the flowers, and Pecak—along with volunteers—planted and cared for them. That stretch of road has been blooming every summer since.
Weesies Brothers Garden Center & Landscaping preparing to plant the flowers on June 6, 2025.
When Pecak passed away, his daughters reached out to continue the tradition, and the Weesies family stepped in to carry on the work as a tribute to both Chet and his passion for flowers. A small metal plaque along the causeway now quietly honors his legacy.
What started as a Montague tradition has since blossomed into a full White Lake community effort. Petunias now spill from hanging baskets throughout both Montague and Whitehall, lining sidewalks and public spaces. Each summer, volunteers from the Petunia Patrol keep those hanging baskets watered and thriving in both towns—a quiet but powerful act of hometown pride.
So next time you drive into White Lake and see that joyful pop of color welcoming you, remember: it’s not just about landscaping. It’s about pride, history, and a town that chose a flower—and stuck with it.
For more stories that celebrate our local roots and traditions, visit catchmarkcommunity.com.
