Students to Showcase Their Green Thumbs at Upcoming Plant Sale
The Appell Environmental Horticulture Program at York College of Pennsylvania is hosting its annual Plant Sale.
The sale Plant Sale will take place this Friday, May 2, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will be in the Appell Horticulture Center parking lot, with a rain plan to move indoors if necessary. A wide selection of plants, including perennials, pollinator plants, annuals, succulents, and vegetables, will be available for purchase. Proceeds from the sale will directly support the Environmental Horticulture program and student learning projects.
The idea for the Plant Sale took root in 2023 when Dr. Jason Smith, Assistant Professor of Environmental Horticulture, recognized a unique opportunity while teaching an Introduction to Horticulture class. "When students are growing so many plants as part of their coursework, it only makes sense to find an outlet for their work—and a plant sale was the perfect solution," said Dr. Smith.
Students have been deeply involved in every stage of the project. From selecting plant varieties and determining quantities to caring for the plants through watering, feeding, and monitoring growth, this sale represents a semester of hands-on learning. Multiple horticulture classes collaborated to ensure a thriving inventory for the event.
"This project is about more than just growing plants," Dr. Smith explained. "It’s about teaching students the full cycle — from production to marketing to customer interaction. I want them to experience the satisfaction of producing a product that is valued by others and goes home with happy customers."
Beyond refining their horticultural skills, students also had the chance to engage with marketing efforts, designing digital and print materials to promote the sale. It's a true showcase of their growing expertise and ability to connect with the broader community.
Shoppers can pay by cash, credit card, Apple Pay, or Google Wallet. Whether you want to add fresh color to your garden or support the next generation of horticulture professionals, the Plant Sale promises something for every green thumb.
