Annual Plant Sale: A Sell-Out Success

Six hundred plants sold at AUB greenhouse

When the students of the Department of Landscape Design and Ecosystem Management held their annual plant sale on April 9, they sold absolutely all of the 600 plants on display in AUB's greenhouse. Not a single twig was left.

According to Salma Talhouk of the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, who gives an introductory course in horticulture, the primary objective of the event was to develop the skills of students in the production, development, and appreciation of plants. "Dealing with people goes hand-in-hand with the handling of the plant business," said Talhouk. "The responsibility for marketing, pricing, and doing accounts provided the students with a well-rounded and comprehensive exposure to plant-related activities."

The students holding the sale were delighted. "The people who bought the plants were very pleased with the merchandise. They felt the prices were a bargain and asked us to organize more sales in the future….More than two hundred people showed up and the turn-up was beyond our expectations."

In answering questions on plant names and how to take care of each plant, the students developed more knowledge of the subject and enhanced their understanding of the real value of plants. The event was a valuable educational exercise, and we hope to follow it with a herb sale this semester," said Talhouk.

The plant group of almost thirty students is now involved in preparing a book on the trees and shrubs of AUB. They have already written the first draft and hope to finish the book by the end of May.