Originally posted on WRBL.com

Opelika High School’s greenhouses are in full bloom as horticulture students team up with Future Farmers of America to host the annual Spring Plant Sale. The event has become a local tradition—one that brings in community support, fuels student learning, and helps sustain a thriving agriculture program.

More than 150 students spend the entire school year preparing for this sale, growing and caring for hundreds of flowers, vegetables, and ferns. This year’s inventory includes 700 ferns, 500 hanging baskets, flats of annuals, a wide selection of herbs, succulents, and vegetables—all grown and sold by students.

Ginny Gaberlavage, the horticulture teacher and FFA advisor, said it’s the students who make the program what it is.

“I just want to reiterate—it’s the students that take care of all of this,” Gaberlavage said. “They just make this program… it’s a labor of love.”

The hands-on experience is part of Opelika High’s Career and Technical Education program. The horticulture track includes coursework in plant science, floral design, aquaponics, and greenhouse production. Students can earn industry certifications, complete senior capstone projects, and get real-world training in business and customer service.

And when the plants are ready to sell, students run the shop—tagging plants, helping customers, answering questions, and loading cars. It’s an experience that builds job skills and confidence.
“I love working in Greenhouse Three, which is the greenhouse I was assigned to,” said student Kamora Samuel.

“My favorite thing is helping people decide what plants they want, where to put them, and how to take care of them,” said student Jose Vaquez. “And giving them advice.”

Student Bobby Lockhart added, “I get to move my legs more often, and I honestly like the outside.”

The plant sale typically raises between $15,000 and $20,000. The money goes back into the horticulture program, funds FFA scholarships, and supports future improvements—including plans for new greenhouses.
The sale opened Monday and continues through Friday and now includes a Saturday option. Hours are 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and sales continue until all plants are gone. All forms of payment are accepted. Plants can be purchased directly from the greenhouses behind Opelika High School.