Here comes the sun (flower).
The greenhouse is full, the pansies are starting to bloom in preparation for the Early Spring Plant sale, and the Landscaping and Horticultural Program students have been hard at work getting everything ready.
"We're making sure all of the plants are good and ready for sale," said Mason Lane, from Sanford High School, who is in his first year with the program.
The sale runs from Monday, April 10, to Friday, April 14. Hours are 8:15-1 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and 8:15-2 p.m. Tuesday on Thursday at the end of the green wing. The greenhouse offers colors of pansies and violas to brighten your yard.
The horticultural and landscaping program is divided into two basic units, classroom instruction, and hands-on applied learning.
Classroom instruction focuses on greenhouse production, plant science, integrated pest management, landscaping principles, vegetables, fruit production, and more.
All instruction focuses on students being able to apply their knowledge outside of the classroom in practical experiences.
"It's a lot of fundamental knowledge," Lane said. "We've started to volunteer at different programs, so we know our general knowledge going forward."
First-year students Alanah Davis from Sanford High School and Jake Banks have enjoyed their time in the program so far.
"I like to grow plants and see them flourish," Davis said.
"I like working outside and working with my hands," Banks said.
Despite just being in his first year with the program, Lane says he sees himself pursuing a career in landscaping when he graduates.
"I've enjoyed landscaping and working with plants. It's always been my thing," Lane said. "It's always been a career path for me."