Plant sale at Chelmsford Valley District Composite School greenhouse May 10 & 17

Chelmsford Valley District Composite School will host its annual greenhouse plant sale on Saturday, May 10, 2014 and Saturday, May 17, 2014 from 9 am to 2 pm. Chelmsford Valley District Composite School is located at 3594 Highway 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,” said Chelmsford Valley District Composite School Principal Pamela Potvin.

Principal Potvin thanked the many volunteers who work diligently 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,” she said. “The greenhouse is contributing to the beautification and sustainability of our community and supporting student success.” This past year the Greenhouse also supported “at risk” programs for several students.

In addition to the Saturday sale on May 10th and 17th, the public is welcome to visit the greenhouse and purchase plants every weekday from 9 am until noon. 

 

The greenhouse at Chelmsford Valley District Composite School was built 40 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 yearlong labor 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.

 

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Media Contact:

Pamela Potvin, Principal, Chelmsford Valley District Composite School,

Rainbow District School Board, 705-675-0225.