The Greenwave Plant Corner

My name is Emi Allyn, and I’m a senior in Mrs. Sammons plant systems class at Churchill County High School. Recently, I had the opportunity to design a landscape project that I hope will make a lasting impact on our school. 

My goal was to create a space that is welcoming, functional, and meaningful for everyone. One of the main features of my design is concrete walkways to ensure the area is accessible to people with disabilities, because I believe everyone should be able to enjoy it. I also included raised plant boxes that culinary classes could use to grow perennial herbs and vegetables for cooking. This would give students a hands-on learning experience that connects directly to their classes. 

In my layout, I placed a table toward the back of the space to provide a full view of the garden, making the landscape the centerpiece. I also plan to include lights in our school colors above the trees along the back wall. This feature, designed by one of my classmates, would add both school spirit and a welcoming atmosphere.

I believe this space would become important for the entire school community. Students could use it as a place to relax, gather with friends, or take pictures for events. It would help make our school feel more inviting and less bland. For plant systems students, it would provide a working space beyond the greenhouses. Growing and maintaining the plants ourselves would give us real-world experience and a stronger sense of ownership in the project. 

Some additional details in my design include lining the walkways with native plants and incorporating a metal Gurkha created by the welding class. If funding and water systems allow, I would also love to include a miniature model of the main street fountain as a unique focal point.

The area would be maintained primarily by plant systems classes using low-maintenance, drought-tolerant native plants. Another option would be starting a horticulture club to increase student involvement. We could also invite community members who need volunteer hours or are working toward their master gardener certification to help care for the space. 

This project is especially meaningful to me because I plan to pursue landscape design as a career. Designing something that could positively impact our school while helping prepare me for my future has been an incredible experience. I am grateful for the opportunity to share my vision and hope it becomes a lasting addition to our campus.