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And now students will take the leftovers for their own garden at the school, donate some to the Parks and Recreation Department for use though out town and find worthy homes for any stragglers.
Students take care of all the plants, many of which they start from seed. The sale featured numerous verities, including more than 67 hanging plant types and more than 500 geraniums. Offerings include vegetables, flowers and herbs.
"They get to choose what they sell," said Botany teacher Kim Antol, who also teaches other courses, including one on the Connecticut River.
The students also hold a poinsettia sale in the fall.
The sales not only give the students a chance to learn some of the business aspects of horticulture but also a chance to fund plant and seed purchases for the next year. This year the students have enough to purchase some bonsai plants.
Teacher Kim Antol has been involved with the sale for about 12 years but the program goes back about 40 years she said with teacher Conrad Zenzian.
Junior Katie Fiore works at an area garden center and said the course helps her learn more in the area.
"I wanted to know more about plants," she said.
For senior Paige Stock, the class offered the chance to get closer to her father, who is a landscaper. The things she is learning gives the two more to talk about, she said.
While plants may be more of a hobby, she said she also likes the class.
"I enjoy the class a lot," she said.
Senior Bridget Gromek is more of a green thumb and can see herself in the profession. She is gaining additional experience at an area flower shop as well.
"I just love planting," she said.
Sixteen students took the elective course this year but about 27 students have signed up next year. The course includes five periods a week and about three weeks of greenhouse work.
