With spring rolling around, it’s time for what West Greene FFA members and the community look forward to every year, the opening of the school’s greenhouse. The greenhouse is run by Mrs. Karlie Wright and her students, making it one of the best hands-on learning experiences at the school.
The greenhouse has been standing since long before Mrs. Wright’s time at West Greene began. The current greenhouse was built in the 1998-1999 school year when the school was undergoing renovations. The new gym is located on the site of the old greenhouse.
One of the most powerful aspects of the West Greene greenhouse is its ability to prepare students for life beyond high school. While students learn how to nurture plants from seed to sale, they’re also developing essential skills that translate to any career: communication, time management, problem-solving, and leadership.
Through working in the facility, students learn the whole process of greenhouse production. From beginning seeds and transferring plugs, to fertilization and proper watering, to advertising and selling products.
“They’re learning how to run a business, manage time, troubleshoot problems, and work as a team,” Mrs. Wright explains. “These are life skills that go well beyond agriculture.”
The work starts right after the students get back from Christmas break. Before they can plant, the students must clean the greenhouse from the mess left behind the year prior. Sweeping soil off the ground, organizing the hanging baskets, and making sure they have the proper seeds for what they want to plant that season are the start of the process. After everything is in order, the students start planting their seeds and plugs, hanging up the hanging baskets, and taking turns watering every day.
As the greenhouse continues to bloom, so does the impact it has on the students involved. Many have gone on to pursue studies in environmental science, agriculture, and sustainability. However, even those who choose other paths take with them the valuable lessons learned.
The big opening day event is scheduled for May 4, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. On that day, the greenhouse transforms into a bustling hub of energy and color, offering flowers, vegetables, and hanging baskets for sale to the public. Visitors can expect to find a wide selection of blooms lovingly nurtured by student hands. Proceeds go back into funding the program, allowing for the purchase of seeds, supplies, and upgrades to keep the greenhouse thriving year after year.
