Doyle High School Greenhouse Rehab

Master Gardeners partnered with the agriculture teacher and administration of Doyle High school to help clean up and repair the school’s greenhouse. This included removal of old planting materials and equipment that was in disrepair. The master gardener association built new greenhouse tables and repaired existing tables. They used money raised from fundraisers to install a new mist irrigation system. The rehabilitation of the greenhouse allowed the greenhouse to be a usable space again for students to start transplants for their vegetable beds. The school is allowing the master gardener to use bench space in the greenhouse for plant propagation projects.

Before and after cleanup of Doyle High School greenhouse and installation of new greenhouse benches

Denham Springs Junior High Fruit Orchard

The horticulture teacher at Denham Springs Junior High School in Denham Springs, LA had contacted the horticulture agent in Livingston Parish for advice on sight preparation and selection of fruit varieties for a new fruit orchard on the school campus. After inspection of the site and soil testing, it was determined that work needed to be done to improve growing conditions. Master Gardeners worked with the teacher to provide recommendations, formulate a plan of action, and assist in making site improvements. Recommendation of continuing care and maintenance of the orchard were also provided.

Master Gardeners work on bed preparation for new blueberry plantings that will be installed at Denham Springs Junior High school in Denham Springs, LA

School Vegetable Garden

The Livingston Master Gardener Association was contacted by Pine Ridge Alternative School in Walker, LA to help teach at risk students on how to plant and care for their vegetable gardens. Master Gardener volunteers worked with students and teacher to prepare raised beds for vegetable plantings. The students where they showed how to plant vegetables and to care for the beds. This project was supported by the Livingston Parish School system and volunteers from the community.

Students at Pine Ridge Alternative School in Walker planting vegetables in raised beds

Wildflower Seed Bombs

The Livingston Master Gardener Association works with school groups and community groups throughout the year to educate children on the importance of wildflowers to the ecosystem. Children are taught about how wildflowers provide habits for pollinating insects which are important to the environment and food production. Master Gardeners provide materials and show kids how to make wildflower seed bombs that they can then take home to plant.

Students at South Live Oak Elementary School in Watson are learning how to make seed bombs