Derek Neary
Northern News Services

FORT SIMPSON (May 14/99) - How does your garden grow?

Several students in Science 15/25 at Thomas Simpson School can explain the answer to that question. They have been planting petunias, marigolds, miniature snapdragons and hanging baskets in a Fort Simpson greenhouse for the past two months.

The greenhouse classes provide lessons in horticulture and ecology as well as in biotic and abiotic environments, said teacher Deborah Stipdonk. Not only that, the students get to witness the fruits of their labours through the blooming plants and the flowers around them.

"They're able to apply a lot of what they learned in the classroom," said Stipdonk, who added that many of the students come in voluntarily after school and in the evenings to check on the plants.

Lana Nahanni, a Grade 10 student, was busy filling planters with soil on Wednesday morning.

"It's a learning experience," she said of the hands-on biology lessons.

"I learned a lot, too," Stipdonk remarked.

This weekend, they'll learn how many people are in the market for such plants as they will be on sale at Deh Cho Hardware. Stipdonk said the students will continue to plant seeds over the next month.

The greenhouse, which adjoins the steam plant, has recently undergone renovations including new shelves and lights. It is the result of a co-operative community effort, Stipdonk noted.

In particular, Bernie Leder has been instrumental in stimulating the students' interest and providing insight.

"Bernie has been just an unbelievable asset," she said. "I can't thank him enough. He's just been a shining example of community involvement."