Cash for crops provides for scholarships at annual Plant Sale
To raise money for scholarships granted by the Horticulture Foundation, the greenhouse across from the Technology and Applied Science building the was open to the public last Thursday and Friday so people could purchase plants grown by the Saddleback College horticulture and landscape design department.
Hosted bi-annually by the department, the sale is in its eighteenth year. Available plants and flowers included hanging baskets, seasonal color bowls, succulents, Madagascar palms, herbs and more. All were grown on the campus and is of high-quality and low priced.
“People lined up at 8 a.m. waiting for the doors to open,” said Johanna Browne, a greenhouse assistant.
According to Browne, advertising for the sale is done mainly by just word of mouth and also advertised on the Saddleback website.
“I love the chance to be creative with the plants, combining colors and textures,” said Tina Maldini, succulent designer and greenhouse assistant. “There is so much variety, and very low maintenance.”
The sale is popular among teachers on campus, who buy their plants and put them on hold during breaks in between classes.
“Growing the plants is my favorite part,” said Yvonne Alliman, a horticulture lab technician. “The community loves the sale and every year it gets bigger and better.”
Scholarships are bestowed at the end of the spring semester. Last year, a total of $7,500 was awarded.