Landscaping the School (continued)

Closing Thoughts

I enjoyed listening to the students who started this project as they neared their graduation. They reflected on feelings of accomplishment, remembering how tiny the seedlings were when we started, and how big the plants had become. These students are in college now, but there are others who are continuing to plant seeds at Jefferson. Years from now, our alumni will return with pride to view their contribution to improving the environment and beautifying our school.

Although my students were planting seeds which might produce some new hardy rhododendrons for our region, I was more gratified to be nurturing the seeds of a future generation of plant enthusiasts. If we expect great gardens, rare plants, and native stands of rhododendrons and azaleas to survive much beyond our own brief existence, it is important to cultivate an appreciation of preserving what is natural in the next generation. I encourage others to try similar projects with students in their communities. And drop by to see our school as the landscape grows. We are adding companion plants, such as hostas, iris, and daylilies, as well as interesting new trees and wildflowers. I can't guarantee that Jefferson will become a horticultural showplace, but I do know that our campus will be much more attractive than when we first arrived.

Azaleas and Hosta
Azaleas and Hostas 		Daylily
Daylily: Jolyene Nichole

Landscaping the School

  1. Introduction
  2. The Plant Preservation Club
  3. First Blooms
  4. Planting Things Out
  5. Closing Thoughts
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dhyatt@thor.tjhsst.edu