Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About The Blue Mountain eagle. (John Day, Or.) 1972-current | View Entire Issue (May 18, 2016)
A10 Blue Mountain Eagle Wednesday, May 18, 2016 GROW Students hone green thumbs, customers reap beneits Greenhouse is open with plants, flowers galore By Angel Carpenter Blue Mountain Eagle JOHN DAY — Green plants and lowers of many va- Frame Your View With Beautiful Windows We sell and install entry and patio doors, too. Call today to make an appointment. Mobile Glass of Oregon, Inc. 27825 Wilderness Rd. • John Day 541-575-1055 • www.jeld-wen.com Andy’s Plumbing & Sports rieties are going gangbusters at the Grant Union Junior-Senior High School Greenhouse. Garden goodies from the student-run nursery are in high demand, as locals prepare for the growing season. While the plants grow, stu- dents do too, learning the skills to help them in everyday life. They learn to care for the plants, make transplants and also work in customer service as they make the sales. “I’ve learned it can be hard to care for plants, but it’s worth it in the end,” said student Di- amond Workman. “We make sure they’re properly watered with not too much dirt, if they’re in a pot.” “We’re learning about ag- riculture,” said student Crys- tal Wimberly. “You learn how long it takes for plants to ger- minate. It’s amazing to watch from start to inish.” “I’m pretty much the wa- ter boy out here,” said student Mason Kidd. “One thing I’ve learned is how much water the plants need. You don’t want to water them too much. I like working with the group.” Student Damion Young said he’s taking his green thumb skills beyond school and is planting some sunlow- Eagle photos/Angel Carpenter Grant Union students, from left, Crystal Wimberley, Cheyenne Gentis and Diamond Workman work at transplanting tomatoes May 5 at the school’s greenhouse. ers at home. Workman said she’s plant- ing cucumbers at home, and Wimberley planned to grow pumpkins. Educational assistant Lloy- dene Thomas said it was Betty Boyd Britton Welding, INC . Your Wrought Iron Specialist • Gates • Trellises • Mailboxes • Flower pot holders • Hand rails • Repairs • Custom decor 245 N. Canyon City Blvd. Canyon City 541-575-2144 • American Standard Sinks & Toilets • Delta Faucets • Bradford White Water Heaters Plumbing hours Mon-Fri 8-4:30 After hours by appointment • Martin Archery Bows & Equipment • BowTech Equipment • PSE Equipment Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm 841 W Hwy 26, John Day • 541-575-0763 Fencing Solutions For Your Farm Jones who started the green- house in 1999, with students and parents helping construct it. “The kids take ownership of the plants they’re caring for — if they planted peppers, they’re checking out how their seeds are doing,” she said. She said the skills they learn help them build their re- sume to ind competitive jobs in the future. Meanwhile, the customers enjoy the fruits of the students’ labor. Thomas said some people drive a good distance to ind the tomato variety they’re looking for, right at the Grant Union Greenhouse. The types of tomatoes in- clude Roma, Donna, Beefsteak and Calypso, as well as cher- ry tomatoes, and tomatillos, a cousin of the tomato. The greenhouse is located behind Grant Union module buildings, which are located on the north side of the school, 911 S. Canyon Blvd. in John Day. Blue Mountain Eagle Summer is the perfect season to keep up with gutter care. Rain can absolutely batter your gutters Give Your Home a Makeover Pet & Livestock Feed • Fertilizer • Farm, Ranch & Irrigation Supplies Ag & Industrial 312 N Canyon City Blvd. • Canyon City 541-575-2050 The Biggest Little Kitchen Store in Eastern Oregon G ourmet & G adGet s 340 N Broadway, Burns 541-573-1725 Open Mon-Sat 10-5 Stock up for Memorial Day Weekend POP THE TOP ON SUMMER Stock up for the long weekend with low prices on your favorite beer and wine. M iller C oors B rewing Call Bob Blake anytime: 541-575-1170 Operating hours are Mon- day through Thursday, 8:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and Fri- days and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The greenhouse stays open until the end of the school year or until they run out of plants. For more information, call the school at 541-575-1799. Care for your gutters Dedicated to quality, service and selection for 33 years. G ibco The Eagle/Angel Carpenter Grant Union students Damion Young, left, and Mason Kidd keep the school’s greenhouse thriving. 120 E Main St. | John Day 541-575-0629 | www.lensdrug.com Get set for spring with low prices on everything to spruce up your home, inside and out! Shop Monday-Friday 9-6, Saturday 10-4, Closed Sunday during the spring, while the fall and winter bring falling leaves, ice and snow into the mix. Protective homeowners use the summer season to give their gutters some TLC before and af- ter the elements come into play. Doing so can help identify leaks, cracks or blocked downspouts that can lead to costly repairs once the weather turns. So between vacations or trips to the beach, be sure to spend a Saturday afternoon checking in on one of the most important structural aspects to your home: The gutter system. Cleaning Safety A simple cleaning can go a long way to extending the life of your gutters. If you choose to undertake this project yourself, keep in mind some safety tips: • Make sure you have a stur- dy standalone ladder – one that you don’t have to lean against the home or gutter system. • Always take your time heading up and down a ladder, and make sure to let a family member know that you will be doing ladder work. • Don’t be afraid to ask for help in steadying the ladder as you use it. • Also, remember a durable pair of gloves and protective eyewear. The last thing you want to happen is to poke one of your eyes with a twig or small branch. Check Your Work Once you clean out all of the leaves, sticks and other obstruc- tions, check for leaks. Rinse the gutter downspout with a garden hose to remove all leftover items and check for smooth water low. Crank the hose up a bit, allowing you to really test your gutters for leaks or blockages. Obstructed downspouts can lead to water and, eventually, ice buildup once the weather turns colder. This can contribute to shingle damage and even interi- or leaks – both potentially costly issues that can be mitigated with some simple gutter care.