Invasive plants make wreaths, and money, for Saanich, B.C., students
Holly, ivy, among species harvested near school for fundraising project
Holly and ivy have a traditional role at this time of year in classic carols and festive decorations.
But they're also among the invasive species that choke out native plants on south Vancouver Island.
A Grade 6 class at Colquitz Middle School found a way of turning the unwelcome foliage into profit by fashioning holly, ivy and other invasive species into holiday wreaths.
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"They are very proud of what they created," teacher Laura-Lyn Helton told On the Island host Gregor Craigie.
"Our school has been going over to the Colquitz Creek for the past four years or so and having lots and lots of kids pull blackberry and ivy. And then we started repurposing it into kind of these artistic things," Helton said.
The students wove in teasel and broom with the ivy and holly branches to make the wreaths.
Aside from the environmental benefits, Helton said the wreath project was part of a Junior Achievement program that helped teach business skills.
"I love having real community business connections to partner with while educating kids about financial literacy," she said.
"They were in teams to create this product to sell. They have a promotions team and a merchandising and a setup team."
With the profits from the wreath sales, Helton said the class is hoping to buy fruit trees for the school's garden.