Mother’s Day Plant Sale Brings Authentic Experience for Students and “Petals” Happiness to Community Customers

Dakota DiBiase ’28

NHS’ agriscience horticulture class spends many months preparing for the annual Mother’s Day plant sale. The preparation helps prepare students for going into the business with learning how to pot, teaching about the germination process, and even sales.

Macey Chmiel ’26 and Dakota DiBiase ’28 • April 22, 2025

Senior Jillian Fitzgerald checks to make sure all flowers are healthy and have been watered. Watering is a critical aspect to learn when working with flowers due the knowledge needed with knowing how damp the soil should be for each flower, along with how often to water each type. (Macey Chmiel ’26)

WOODBURY — As Mother’s Day approaches, Nonnewaug High School embraces the occasion with a vibrant plant sale to capture the essence of love and appreciation. Mother’s Day is a moment to recognize the nurturing spirit, strength, and support that mothers provide. What better way to show gratitude than with a stunning bouquet of flowers?

“Personally speaking, I know my mom loves flowers,” said senior Samatha Kostka, a floriculture student. “I feel it is beneficial for me because my mom loves gardening and during spring break my mom and I plant the flowers we get from the Mother’s Day sale into our garden making it nice for the spring and summer seasons.“

Giving mom flowers for Mother’s Day is not just a thoughtful gesture, it’s a beautiful way to express your love and appreciation for her. Flowers carry a language of their own, symbolizing gratitude, beauty, and leaves a small but meaningful impact on your loved ones reminding them of how special they are.

“I think that getting your mom flowers for Mother’s Day is a nice touch,” said Eric Birkenberger, floriculture instructor and event organizer. “My favorite part of Mother’s Day when I was kid was to just spend the whole day with my mom.”

As we celebrate Mother’s Day with beautiful and vibrant flowers and heartfelt gestures, it’s easy to overlook the dedication it takes to nurture these flowers who have spent countless hours growing these plants.

“This plant sale is beneficial because all the money goes to horticulture class,” said Kostka. “Also, moms like gardening and whatnot, and we are selling hanging plants, potted plants and so much more just is nice to choose from because women in general like to make their house and their yards look neat.”

Students and community members can make this Mother’s Day memorable and with beautiful flowers to show appreciation for the moms in their lives by attending the sale May 10 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the Nonnewaug High School parking lot.

About the Contributors

Macey Chmiel ’26, Reporter

Macey Chmiel is a junior and is a first-year reporter for the Chief Advocate. She is from Oxford and came to Nonnewaug for the ag program, specifically for equine science. Along with ag, Macey has also been a part of the volleyball team. Outside of school, she enjoys baking, working, playing volleyball and being with her horse. As a first-year writer, she looks forward to writing about sports and the events held at Nonnewaug.

Dakota DiBiase ’28, Reporter

Dakota DiBiase is a freshman and a first-year reporter for the NHS Chief Advocate. She is a local Woodbury resident who enjoys writing about community and school events. When not occupied writing for the Chief Advocate, she is infatuated with spending time with her friends and loved ones, who inspire her in numerous ways. Dakota is very passionate about her voice career as well and plans to continue with it in the future.