In Billings, students at Will James Middle School are cultivating a colorful tradition just in time for Mother’s Day: the annual greenhouse sale. Under the guidance of Kris Cummings in the tech ed and engineering class, students are nurturing a variety of blooms destined for new homes.
Inside the school’s greenhouse, the process unfolds. “They just kind of grow under these grow lights and then once they are big enough, we transplant them into the four-by-four trays,” explains one student. Another student meticulously trims unsightly leaves from hanging baskets, ensuring each plant is presented at its best for potential buyers.
The endeavor is not just about gardening; it’s about education and responsibility. Cummings emphasizes, “All of these students are outstanding students. Their role is to come in to manage this greenhouse and report back to me, so I give them that responsibility to where it is truly something that becomes student-run.”
With careful attention to detail, students sprout seeds, nurture growth, and groom plants, resulting in an impressive array of flora. From hedgehogs to pigs, there’s a variety to suit every taste. Keegan Romero, an eighth-grade student at Will James, reflects on the joy of seeing people appreciate the beauty and fragrance of the plants they’ve cultivated.
This year’s sale boasts over 50 varieties of bedding plants, perennials, herbs, tomatoes, peppers, and more than 650 hanging baskets. Cummings notes the dedication of the students, saying, “We’re looking at a culmination of over six months of work that kids have been hands-on, and they truly love being in this environment.”
The greenhouse sale, a labor of love for the students, will take place this weekend at Will James, Ben Steele, and Lewis and Clark middle schools. Details regarding hours can be found in the provided graphics by Billings Public Schools. As the sale concludes, proceeds will fund the students’ next venture: the annual poinsettia sale, continuing the cycle of growth and learning.