ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – Bay College is hosting its annual plant sale on May 5.
The Bay College greenhouse is full of life ahead of the sale. According to science and biology instructor Brian Black, preparations began early in the semester.
“We don’t have any artificial light in here, so we get started usually in February as the day length begins to get longer,” said Black. “We like to do it as early as possible because the plants then are bigger when it comes time to stick them in the ground in the spring.”
The sale’s focus is on plants native to the area, which Black says have a positive impact on their ecosystem.
“Those plants support native pollinators, including native bees and butterflies,” he explained. “They provide both food and habitat. We grow lots of milkweeds which, in particular, support our monarch population.”
Another benefit of native plants is that they are already adapted to local conditions.
“Once those plants are established, they require almost no care,” said Black. “They don’t need watering, you don’t have to fertilize them. Many of them will reseed and establish a larger, more persistent perennial bed in your garden.”
Proceeds from the plant sale will go toward STEM clubs at Bay College, as well as to the upkeep of the greenhouse. Some of the plants that are not purchased will be donated to local gardening projects.
“The Hiawatha National Forest, they’ve been working really hard to restore habitat throughout the Stonington Peninsula and then farther north up along the Au Train River,” Black said. “By getting this native vegetation reestablished, it can reduce the erosion.”
Others will be donated to groups that provide fresh food to those in need.
“Lots of our produce then ends up with Esky Grow, which donates to the Salvation Army,” said Black. “We’re really trying to use the greenhouse to support the community.”
The Bay College plant sale will take place in Room 116 of the Math Science Building from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Click here for a list of plants that will be available and pricing information.
