Apr 29, 2012- 9:04 AM
The sale will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on both days. The school is located at 3594 Hwy. 144 in Chelmsford.
“Residents from across Greater Sudbury will be able to choose from a wide assortment of beautiful hanging baskets, flowers and garden vegetables that have all been grown in our school greenhouse,” Chelmsford Valley District Composite School principal Mike Mirka said, in a press release.
Mirka thanked the many volunteers who work throughout the year to nurture the plants.
“This annual event has been held for the past 20 years with all proceeds to fund student bursaries,” he said. “The greenhouse is contributing to the beautification and sustainability of our community and supporting student success.”
The public is also welcome to visit the greenhouse and purchase plants every weekday from 9 a.m. until noon.
The greenhouse at Chelmsford Valley District Composite School was built 39 years ago in the central courtyard of the school. Teachers and students were involved in the project along with skilled trades. In the past 20 years, a large contingent of community volunteers, mostly seniors, and some staff operate the greenhouse, with great success.
Volunteers tend to the greenhouse each weekday morning and sometimes weekends and holidays. Many people in the community support the venture, not only by purchasing their plants from the greenhouse, but also by providing free pots, planters and many cuttings that are used for transplanting and propagating.
The greenhouse operates year-round with the exception of July and August. Following start-up in September, the propagation of donated plants begins and continues during the winter months. In the early spring, the seeding of annual flowers and vegetables begins.
Watering and fertilizing is ongoing. This year-long labour of love culminates with the May sales where the community is invited to choose from a wide assortment of healthy plants.
Over the years, the greenhouse has provided a natural classroom for students from Chelmsford Valley District Composite School. Students enjoy the peaceful setting as they help with seeding, watering and general plant care. The greenhouse has also provided a perfect place for science demonstrations on a variety of topics, such as photosynthesis and horticulture.
Students are encouraged to visit the greenhouse, where their questions and inquiries are answered. They often volunteer their services and assist with spring sales. Students also visit the greenhouse on special occasions to purchase plants for family and friends.
Posted by Heidi Ulrichsen
