Cleaning and sweeping are two of the chores Stacey Atkinson says she does at the greenhouse at the Birdie Thornton Center.

Atkinson, a client at the center, said she wants the greenhouse to continue and her involvement has been fun.

The center, directed by Edward Orum, serves 61 mentally challenged people at the facility at 2305 S. Hine Street, teaching them job and life skills.

“Steelcase provided us a grant to build this greenhouse,” said Kristy Allen, administrative assistant at Birdie Thornton.

She said the greenhouse was built at the center about three years ago, but this is the first time clients have been able to grow anything there.

Marigolds, begonias and impatiens are just a few of the plants the clients have grown that will be available for purchase at the Birdie Thornton Center plant sale.

The sale is from 9 a.m. –11:30 a.m. today and will continue until the plants are sold. Money raised will help fund operation of the greenhouse.

Allen said the greenhouse has been the clients’ project and they have worked to take care of it since February.

“They love working out here,” Allen said.

Another client of the Birdie Thornton Center, Clara Coleman, said she likes to help others, especially those who can’t help themselves.

She is enjoying working in the greenhouse, she said, and hopes a lot of people come to the sale to purchase flowers so the greenhouse can continue.

Allen said that the center had to purchase some items to begin the greenhouse and she hopes to get some of those expenses back.

“We’re just hoping for the best,” Allen said.

Items will sell for $10 a flat and $7 for a hanging basket.

The center will accept cash or a check made to Birdie Thornton Center.

Kay Baugher of Trent Nursery in Athens advised the clients and advisors how to operate the greenhouse.



How to help:

The Birdie Thornton Center will hold a plant sale beginning at 9 a.m. today at the center at 2305 S. Hine Street in Athens. The sale will continue until items are sold. Proceeds from the sale will allow clients to continue operation of the greenhouse.