For years Master Gardeners in the Monroe County dreamed of having their own greenhouse to provide education to youth and other community members. In addition, this greenhouse would provide much needed plants for their extensive array of community projects. In 2005 it became a reality when a couple from Minnesota donated two greenhouses they didn't use. Mekca Smith was hired to be the greenhouse coordinator and she has started getting plants ready for the coming year.
Several varieties of flowers, vegetables, and herbs are being raised in the greenhouse. Some plants are from seed and some from cuttings. The plants raised will be planted around the community, sold at our local Master Gardener's plant sale in May. Many plants will be used for educational purposes with our area youth. More than 400 senior citizens will receive one of the three types of herbs. They will have the opportunity to raise and use the herbs in their cooking. The purpose is to offer ideas to enhance the flavor of foods yet decrease the amount of sodium intake in their diet.
3/10/2008