The Deer Meadow School gardening academy has blossomed as much as the plants it cares for.
During the annual Communities in Bloom (CIB) kickoff at the Sportsplex last month, teacher Lori Clarke, who guides the group, told those in attendance that over the past four years, it has grown from nine to about 30 grade 7 and 8 students. They work on various projects in the spring and fall.
The group thanked the CIB for a $250 donation, which they planned to use to buy new garden tools and other supplies.
“This is a huge deal, and my alumni kids, who have been at this for two or even three years, they know exactly what this day is about and they all look forward to it,” Clarke said.
“We just want to thank you for all your hard work,” Mayor Judy Dahl said, adding in the future, program alumni will be able to look back at the fruits of their labours.
The CIB's barrel planting theme this year is shades of purple.
Noting several town employees were on hand for the occasion, Dahl said town residents are amazed at what they're able to do with the planters.
“I have had so many residents and citizens of the Town of Olds say ‘how do you get all those barrels up like that so fast, because one day, they show up,'” she said.
"This is a huge deal, and my alumni kids, who have been at this for two or even three years, they know exactly what this day is about and they all look forward to it."LORI CLARKE GARDENING ACADEMY TEACHER, ADVISOR
