The parking lot at the Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) David P. Meaney Center was turned into a weekend gardener's paradise on Wednesday, March 24. Landscaping students participating in SCOE Career Technical Education/Regional Occupational Programs (ROP) held a plant sale to raise funds for their programs.
A wide variety of vegetable seedlings, colorful flowers, and assorted plants were on sale. Students who prepared the items for sale are enrolled in the landscaping programs at Carson Creek, Palmiter and Hickey Jr./Sr. High Schools. As part of a class learning project, 9th grade students from Leo A. Palmiter High School operated a hot dog cart and sold "Leo's Links" to hungry plant buyers during the lunch hour.
Volunteers from SCOE's Mather Employee Events Team assisted with the sale. The plant sale raised more than $1,100 and proceeds will benefit field trips and enrichment activities for students, as well as help purchase supplies for future projects.
The purpose of the landscaping program is to introduce students to the field of landscape and environmental design where design projects range from community parks to the front and backyards of homes, and from river habitat restoration to planning. Students also utilize their knowledge and skills in design projects to beautify their school and community. Students enrolled in the landscaping program are able to explore future careers such as landscape architecture, environmental design and engineering. They develop an awareness of the interactive relationship between humans and how they shape their environment.