Excited little hands pat down the dirt around a small leafy sprig.

Experienced Decatur High School horticulture students guide them. All the while, a giant alligator cheers them on.

Each year, students from the Brigadoon Elementary preschool program come to Decatur to tour the greenhouse and plant their own plants.

“We’re just trying to cultivate these horticulture students,” said Justine McMullen, Decatur horticulture teacher.

The students took a bus to Decatur and were greeted by Decatur students, including the school’s alligator mascot.

For some, the bus ride was the best part.

“I’ve never gone on a bus before,” 5-year-old Emma McLaughlin said.

For others, the potting of plants was fun, but old news to them.

“I’ve done it before with my mom,” 4-year-old Ricky Reyes said. “I like putting the water in.”

Decatur’s horticulture program

The horticulture program was started back in the 1970s after a school football coach was stricken with multiple sclerosis. The position and program was created so he could continue to teach.

Today the program is taught by Justine McMullen, a former farmer. The program is also its own business. The advanced students grow and sell plants year round, but especially for their two main fundraising sales: The wreath and poinsettia sale in November and December, and the spring sale coming in April.

To learn more, call Decatur High School at (253) 945-5200.