WESTFIELD-Students in the Horticulture Technology Program at Westfield Technical Academy have been patiently attending to hundreds of plants in the greenhouse for months in anticipation of the annual spring plant sale slated May 3-7.
“Students have been growing the plants, some from seeds, as well as fertilizing, watering, pruning and deadheading them for months,” said David Dion, horticulture technologies instructor.
During Tuesday morning’s steady rain outside, the greenhouse was warm and inviting, as freshman Gavin Knightly, 15, took time away from the hydroponic vegetable greenhouse to tend to some watering in the main greenhouse.
David Dion, horticulture technologies instructor at Westfield Technical Academy, reviews the status of plants with student Gavin Knightly for an upcoming plant sale.
“I’ve always liked working with plants and especially tending to my own garden,” said Knightly, noting he enjoys planting a lot of vegetables.
“I eat whatever I grow,” said Knightly, adding this year he will be planting tomatoes, carrots, onions, potatoes and corn on a plot approximately 20’ x 30’.
As the school season is winding down, Knightly noted he has enjoyed his first year in the horticulture technology program.
“I can’t wait for next year since I’m more of a hands-on learner,” said Knightly.
Students including Knightly have been working closely on the plant sale with Dion, as well as Debra Hamm, shop assistant, and Nathan Sperry, instructor, and they will also be engaged in selling them during sale hours: May 3, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; May 4, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.; May 5, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.; May 6, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and May 7, 9 a.m. to noon.
From flowering hanging mixed baskets to Dahlias, Nicotiana, Gerbera Daisies and Scaevola, the sale will also feature more than 12 varieties of Coleus, a variety of annuals, as well as herb bowls, tomatoes, peppers, squashes, and cucumbers.
Area residents interested in purchasing plants are asked to use the Greylock Street entrance.
“Hundreds of area residents attend our sale and all proceeds raised go back into the horticulture technology program,” said Dion.
Dion noted that an education in the program prepares a student for a career in the diverse and expanding green industry. The program focuses on five disciplines: landscape design and operations, arboriculture, turf grass management, greenhouse management and floriculture. In addition, an orchard on campus allows students to learn basic fruit production skills.
While Knightly still has three years to go before graduation, he is already thinking about the future.
“I may start a business with big machines or driving big machinery,” he said, adding, “and I will always have a garden to tend.”
