The greenhouse is an active place for Northeast Community College horticulture students.
Under the leadership of Tee Bush, who is an agriculture and horticulture instructor, students use the greenhouse for coursework and research.
And during the 31st annual Northeast Nebraska Extension Master Gardeners Plant Fair and Vendor Market, students had an opportunity to sell some excess plans and share some of their knowledge by answering questions from the public.
They were among the many vendors who offered everything from plants to products such as honey, crafts, benches, wildlife feeders, gardening equipment and more.
Luke Dutcher, a freshman student from Sioux City, Iowa, said he enjoyed visiting with people at the fair. Sometimes people ask about care for the plants or ask for advice on what type of plants to purchase.
“I would say it has been a good turnout so far today (Saturday afternoon),” Dutcher said. “I was here last night, and it was pretty good then, too. We answer -- to the best of our ability as students – their questions, but then if we don’t know, we go to our professor, Dr. Tee Bush, who knows and is helpful.”
Dutcher, who is a horticulture major, said he enjoys horticulture because he likes outdoors and plans to work at a golf course. This summer, he will have an internship at Fair Play Golf Course in Norfolk.
“Working at a golf course is tough work, but I want to learn all about it because that’s what I hope I will be doing. This should help to prepare me for that,” he said.
Dutcher plans to graduate in a year and hopes to stay in this region to be able to see his family regularly.
Vendors and products include freeze-dried treats, honey and flavored honey, home improvement products and services, gifts and craft items, custom flags, woodworking, clothing and boutique items for children and extracts, flavors, spices and spice blends.
The money raised helps provide a scholarship for a horticulture student at Northeast, along with other products. The fair also featured speakers from around the region.
Plant Fair
Among the Northeast Community College students working at the Plant Fair and Vendor Market at the Chuck Pohlman Ag Complex on Saturday were (from left), Laney Knippelmeyer, freshman, Johnson; Luke Dutcher, freshman, Sioux City, Iowa; and Natalie Plagman, freshman, Marcus, Iowa. (Northeast Community College)
###