By Leigh C. Merrifield
Opening day last Saturday drew many faithful ‘repeat’ customers to the LHS greenhouse, and they arrived early, anxiously waiting for the doors to open!
If you have “Spring Fever” and are eager to add some color to your outdoor space, you will enjoy visiting Lincoln High School’s massive greenhouse located up the hill directly behind the high school. The greenhouse officially opened this past Saturday with many of its regular patrons showing up early to make their selections.
Several opening day customers from outside the community told us the drive to Shinnston is always worth it because they never fail to find what they love at this greenhouse, which is pretty high praise!
The agriculture students at LHS have been busy preparing for this season’s opening since January, and customers are sure to be impressed by the huge selection that will be available as well as the perk that students will thoughtfully offer to carry your purchases and help load your vehicle.
The AG program has been in place at Lincoln High School for decades, and each year it has witnessed growth. Instructors and FFA advisors Amanda Hannon and Jeremy Cochran say they are so very appreciative of the local community’s support along with others from throughout Harrison County and many of its bordering counties who visit and purchase from their greenhouse annually.
“Their steady interest and patronage have encouraged our students and helped our program to succeed and expand tremendously through the years,” they noted.
Currently, there are approximately 100 students who participate in this program at Lincoln. At the beginning of the school year, the students have primarily classroom instruction, but during the second semester they focus more on applying what they have learned and practicing it ‘hands-on’ in the greenhouse.
“The students do all the work, are responsible for managing the greenhouse and caring for the plants, and they do an excellent job,” Ms. Hannon stated.
Mr. Cochran also teaches wood shop, where interested students learn the fundamentals of using tools and equipment. They have been working on construction of wooden planter boxes, which will be available to purchase this year as well.
If you have visited the school or perhaps noticed while driving by, the landscaping of the school’s grounds is meticulously cared for. This is another job performed by the agriculture students under the supervision of Mr. Cochran.
In addition, students also raise and care for rabbits and chickens and often sell the meat and eggs at times. “There is never a boring moment!” Ms. Hannon added. “Harrison County is very fortunate to have support for agriculture programs in our schools. One of our goals is to not just teach them but to provide opportunities for them to take an active role in applying their skills. We aim to encourage them and would like to motivate them to perhaps work in this field at some point in their futures.”
What follows is a summary of what you can find reasonably priced at the greenhouse:
• Numerous hanging baskets
• Vegetable plants such as peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, herbs, and strawberries
• Various flowering annuals and perennials
• Pots of all sizes with petunias, million bells, verbena, zinnias, dahlias, impatiens, begonias, etc.
• Decorative grasses that can be used in landscaping, different varieties of hostas, spider plants, and trailing houseplants
On school days, the greenhouse is open from 8 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. They will also be open on Saturdays through Mother’s Day from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., and they will remain open until the end of the school year or when their supply is depleted. (Saturday hours may vary depending upon student availability).
You can check their hours on the electronic signage in front of Lincoln High School or visit their FACEBOOK page where updated information and ‘specials’ throughout the season will be posted; search for Lincoln High School Agriculture Department & Greenhouse. Cash, checks or credit cards are accepted for purchases.
Ms. Hannon noted that as Mother’s Day approaches, they typically notice a surge in greenhouse traffic. “This year it looks like our timing will be perfect and we will have lots of flowers and hanging baskets in full bloom. Our students are looking forward to welcoming our supporters and helping them find what they’re looking for,” she concluded.
