Danylo Biskup
Contributing Writer
A hidden green gem, Dominican University’s greenhouse is one of the many interesting places to get involved on campus.
The greenhouse is situated in the parking lot between the Magnus Arts Center and the Igini Sports forum.
From the outside, it is a small, window-paneled room with a sloped roof. Three raised garden beds sit in the sunny southern exterior of the greenhouse alongside two rain barrels collecting water for the plants.
From the inside, the greenhouse is a natural oasis hidden among the concrete lots and brick buildings that surround it.
Upon entering the room, you’re immediately faced with rows of growing produce. The air is warm and humid, with condensation covering the glass panes on frigid days. The hum of fans fills the room and multiple lights and wires hang from the ceiling.
Plants ranging from tomatoes to lemon balm sit on tables in the center of the greenhouse and along its walls, filling the space with their vibrant hues.
Elizabeth Schmid, a student who works in the greenhouse, says they grow a variety of produce, including lemon balm, spices, watermelons, sunflowers and more.
To take care of the plants, students created hydroponic systems and come in multiple times a week for weeding and watering. Additionally, students monitor water levels, nutrient levels, and pH, and adjust when needed, says Schmid.
The greenhouse is important for Dominican because it provides a lot of food for people on and off campus, says Schmid.
“The Earth is burning so we have to figure out how to make food for ourselves,” she said.
Dafne Cecena, a greenhouse officer, says the greenhouse is currently student-led because the former adviser was transferred to a different department.
The greenhouse is part of Dominican’s Sustain DU program. Students can become involved with the greenhouse, and a variety of other sustainability programs, by visiting engagedu.dom.edu or by scanning the QR cod
The greenhouse is a great way for students to learn about chemistry, the science of growing plants and environmental consciousness, said Schmid.
The plants grown in the greenhouse are chosen by students that have been there the longest,
“A lot of it is trying to figure out what we need to grow so that we have money to fund the greenhouse because it’s not funded by the school,” said Schmid.
As part of their fundraising efforts, students from the greenhouse had an herb sale at the Lewis Building’s welcome desk in the days before Thanksgiving.
