Come and Get to Know the LBCC Greenhouse

“Who loves a garden loves a greenhouse too”- William Cowper

The LBCC greenhouse may be a mystery to some, but to many, it is a place of creativity. 

Since the beginning of the new millennium, the Linn-Benton Community College greenhouse has provided the community with not only beautiful flowers and useful herbs, but also with an educational facility for students taking classes like biology and horticulture.  

Placed in between the White Oak Hall and the Industrial A building, the greenhouse plays many roles.

Miriam Edell, an instructor here at Linn-Benton, best describes the greenhouse as a “controlled environment," while horticulture advisor and full-time instructor, Stefan Seiter, further explains how the greenhouse is “an environment in which we attempt to control the environmental factors such as temperature, light, and moisture.”  

“Having a greenhouse lets you start early,” Edell said. “It brings in oxygenated air.” 

Edell explains that the greenhouse plays a huge factor in helping ensure the survival of many plants, especially during the harsh winters. Not only can you find a vast range of colors hanging around, the greenhouse also lets the community in on its beauty.  

“This is a public space,” Seiter said.  “It usually gets open up in the morning and closed at night.”

Aspiring artists often use the greenhouse as a muse for exotic art pieces, both personally and for class work. The biology department uses the greenhouse to grow certain plants for class experiments, while the horticulture club meets in the greenhouse for their weekly meetings, Mondays at 1p.m.  

Getting involved with the greenhouse is pretty easy. “Come to the horticulture club,” Seiter said. During the spring term, green management is offered to students hoping to gain a more hands-on experience.  

Just recently, the greenhouse  had its plastic coverings removed due to improper installation. Luckily, LBCC alumnus, Travis Wilson, donated his time helping out with the hard labor, while Seiter provided the materials, which he received from a permanent funding group. They usually replace the plastic covering every four years due to UV rays from the sun.

On the college farm located close to campus, other greenhouses take up residency. In these greenhouses, vegetables are grown and used for the culinary arts programs, donations, and the farmer's market. Even close to Mother’s Day, the greenhouse sells their elegant flowers to the community.   

Mechatronics has also recently been involved with the greenhouse. “They helped us with figuring out some of the controls of the shutters and the fans,” Seiter said.  

Seiter hopes in the future, other classes or departments can start using the greenhouse too.