Last year, after getting a new greenhouse, adopting a new horticulture curriculum, and planting in the greenhouse, Marietta’s FFA chapter held their first ever plant sale. Like most things, it was a learning experience for advisors Josh Bazor, Kelsi Kamesch, and their crew. They’ve applied those lessons, along with listening to the advice of their customers, and they’re announcing their second annual plant sale.
This year’s sale will be held on April 19, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and April 22 to 25 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. But be advised that the horticulturalists are hoping to sell out, so for best selection, head to the greenhouse, located behind the Ag Building on Highway 77, sooner rather than later.
“We listened to our customers and planted more flowering and bedding plants,” said Kamesch. “We had some last year, but we planted them late and they didn’t do as well as we would’ve liked. This year we ordered and planted earlier, and our greenhouse is bursting at the seams with petunias, rose moss, impatiens, and more.”
When Kamesch says the greenhouse is bursting at the seams, she’s not kidding. The chapter has already had a “preliminary” tomato plant sale just to make room for all the ornamentals.
Along with the tables full of bedding plants, they also have lots of hanging baskets and big 20-inch mixed pots. A addition to this year’s sale is scrapyard chic planters.
“We’ve got some antique watering cans, pitchers, cast iron pots, and old cook stuff that we planted full of beautiful plants,” Kamesch stated, “so there will be some really cool selections this year.”
I did mention that you shouldn’t wait until the last minute to hit the sale, right?
The horticulture students have also planted some large items like galvanized tubs and an old wheelbarrow that will be auctioned off with the ag mechanics projects on April 29 at 6 p.m. in the school cafeteria.
“When we started this project, we knew it would be a ‘learn as you go’ kind of experience,” Kamesch explained. “We continue to live and learn with this greenhouse, but it’s a lot brighter and more vibrant than it was last year. It’s kind of a scary thing for us, to invest so many resources into it with no guarantee we’ll get a return, but that’s life, and our kids are learning that right along with us. We had tremendous community support last year, and we’re hoping we’ll get the same this year. Our promise is that we’re going to try and make this sale bigger and better every year.”