WESTFIELD — Horticulture technology at Westfield Technical Academy is getting ready for its popular Annual Spring Plant Sale on Tuesday, May 6, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday, May 7 and 8, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on Friday, May 9, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. If any plants are left over — they are often sold out — the sale will be open on Saturday, May 10, from 9 to 11 a.m.
Nate Sperry, lead horticulture instructor, said the plants were planted and cared for by freshmen and sophomores while juniors and seniors go on the road with him doing projects around town, such as the recently completed rain garden on School Street. Also in the greenhouse are plants for the flower boxes on the green bridge, another horticulture community project.
The plants are housed in two greenhouses, one of which was built by his students four years ago. The plant sale features herb bowls, combo patio pots with tropical plants such as large elephant ears; standard hanging baskets for $22, and larger spiral hanging baskets from $35 to $40.
Also available are 4-inch pots of vegetables including tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and squash, annuals and perennials. Sperry said customers may also bring in their own planters and the students will plant them while they’re waiting, which he said is a popular service they offer.
New this year, the horticulture department teamed up with construction technology for the sale, and will feature wooden garden items made by carpentry students ranging from pressure-treated planter boxes to larger garden items, including wishing wells, a garden trellis and a garden bench.
Carpentry instructor Brian Roy said the students created the items as an end of winter project in February. “We’re just wishing they find a good, happy home,” he quipped, adding that for some of the larger items, transportation can be arranged.
Proceeds from the plant sale will benefit the horticulture department, and from the outdoor garden items, the construction department.
Parking for the sale is available at the Greylock Street entrance past the Municipal Playground.
