Agriculture and Horticulture Advisory Committee Everett High School Legion Park-Horticulture Classroom May 15, 2007 - 3 - 4:30 p.m.
Attending Members: Teachers-Andy Sudkamp, Jeannie Steele, Tammy Price
Community Members-Ralph Quaas, Dee Drake, Mike Mustell
CTE Dept-Becky Balbach
Tour of the Greenhouses at Legion Park with emphasis on what the Horticulture classes are getting the chance to do there in cooperation with Everett Parks and Recreation.
We walked through the Arboretum and sat outside for our meeting!
Hot Topic, Current Issues, Latest Trend in workplaces Dee (greenhouse)-Hard to find workers for greenhouses. Really popular now is container gardening and plantings. People in general are living in smaller spaces, condos, townhouses, etc. So there is little or no yard space. It’s popular to grown not only flowering plants and decorative plants, but also grow veggies and herbs.
Mik (flower shop manager)-There is so much competition, prices need to be looked at again and be competitive with other local flower shops/grocery stores. Wrist corsages are more popular than ever especially for school dances.
Jeannie (animal, vet related)-Animal food and nutrition is a hot topic right now especially because of the recent cat/dog food scares with tainted foods. Many pet owners are looking into more organic and natural food sources, even “make-at-home” varieties.
Two-year Plan feedback Horticulture-Jeannie shared that their’s would stay about the same. She made brochures.
PreVet Science-not shared
Floriculture-Updated plan shared and signed by Ralph.
Advisory Committee Suggestion-Search for someone from the Grocery Business/Floral Department to be on the committee. Tammy doesn’t know any.
Mik asked about a follow-up from Jeannie about the Cascade High Greenhouses and the proposals that were discussed at the end of last school year. Jeannie’s reply-Her classes moved into the one small greenhouse in order to conserve energy & costs. There is not much room for ongoing greenhouse projects. They only did the Earth Day Plant Sale at PUD, no regular plant sale because of lack of space. There is no cooling system in the small greenhouse.