The Garland County Detention Center Learning Greenhouse will present demonstrations and educational programs.
By Luke Duffle, County Extension Agent – Horticulture
The Garland County Detention Center Learning Greenhouse has had quite a long history for just having an open house on October 21, 2022. The greenhouse actually began in March of 2018 with a vision of Captain Cosgrove and Allen Bates, the County Extension Agent at the time. In October 2018, sufficient money was raised to purchase a used greenhouse, and Master Gardener volunteer labor could begin the construction process.
Larry Hardin, Master Gardener, took the lead role in the outside construction. Master Gardener volunteer labor completed exterior construction in the spring of 2019. The inside construction was then begun by Wayne Lynch, new Master Gardener 2019. Electrical, water supplies, heating, and ventilation were completed.
The first day of occupancy was January 8, 2020. A student class schedule was established but was soon disrupted by Covid. Another attempt was made for student classes in 2021 but was again put on hold due to Covid.
During this time Master Gardeners were able to propagate plants for the annual plant sale and other projects throughout Garland County. On September 14, a new basic horticultural class began meeting each Wednesday for an hour and a half for class instruction and hands-on application by Alan Wright, Master Gardener.
The lessons have included: plant names and classification (family, genus, species) and why that is important for plant care; parts of the plant and what they do; sun, soil, and water and how plants adapt to various levels of each; and reproductions through seeds and other methods. The hands-on part has included transplanting seedlings, mixing soil, watering, an introduction to propagation through cuttings, and miscellaneous greenhouse tasks.
This wonderful event, organized by Marty Lynch, will continue to extend research-based information through demonstration and educational programs, using horticulture best practices, strengthening communities and families throughout Arkansas.
Master Gardeners pool skills and resources to improve home horticulture, stimulate interest in plants and gardening, and encourage beautification. For more info, 501-623-6841 or adykes@uaex.edu.
