Students from Saugeen District Secondary School’s Greenhouse Program were bustling in the gardens of the Southampton Care Centre on Tuesday, May 28.

Hub Staff

Once again the students from the Saugeen District Secondary School (SDSS) revitalized the terraces and courtyards of the Southampton Care Centre with plants grown and nurtured as part of their high school greenhouse program. Science teacher Keith Day gently directed the operation but students designed and plotted the beds based on what was currently growing and the plants they had on hand.

Terri-Lynne Thede, the team lead on the day’s project, explained that their greenhouse plant sales this year suffered from unfavourable weather but she was optimistic about increased demand for custom designed hanging baskets and planters. The lower sales meant plenty of foliage to forage for three fortunate retirement homes in Saugeen Shores.

When the weather warms, residents at the Southampton Care Centre will be able to enjoy the visual and aromatic charm from their restored gardens. Even their tastebuds will benefit from the fresh herbs planted in the courtyard to supplement their meals this season. The greenhouse students will also spend a day working in the beds at both the Elgin Lodge and Hampton Court as part of an ongoing tradition to blend old with new and brighten the days of the residents.

“Students only have to go to one day of planting,” said SDSS student Terri-Lynne Thede, “but most of us will do all three."

On the left, Brazilian exchange student Anthony Nascimento deepened his Canadian experience as he participated in the revitalization of the Southampton Care Centre gardens on May 28. On the right, SDSS student Angelina Barone carefully dug a new home for young blooms brought from their high school greenhouse.

Geovana Ferreira immersed herself in the plants while she helped to create a peaceful retreat for the residents of the Southampton Care Centre.

From left, Brie Oullette, Erin Piel and Terri-Lynn Virtue were tasked with planting vegetables and herb boxes in the courtyard at the Southampton Care Centre on May 28. Residents will enjoy food this season thanks to the work of SDSS science students.

Grey skies and a light drizzle made for optimal planting weather for SDSS students Marley Scott (left) and Maddy Masterson (right) as they worked at the Southampton Care Centre May 28.

SDSS students played in the dirt on May 28 at the Southampton Care Centre, leaving behind beautiful gardens freshly pruned, weeded and infused with new plants grown in their high school greenhouse.