A Mid-Prairie garden club has grown over 700 chrysanthemums for community members to purchase and to educate students about plant sustainability. The Mid-Prairie Roots and Shoots program takes advantage of a greenhouse at the Home School Education Center in order to teach students why plants are an important part of our world and how to keep the ecosystem alive and well. Program Advisor Laura Mallory says last spring, they raised over $4,000 during their flower fundraiser and she looks to continue that success with their fall mums fundraiser event, “All the funds that are donated will be going toward the sustainability of the green house and the Roots and Shoots students and the program. We are also going to work with trying to find some outdoor seating. Also rain barrels, we have a student who is working on a mural and is going to paint that on the back of the greenhouse. So funds will go toward getting some paint and making that mural look great. We have a goal for the fall to bring in, we’re hoping $5,000 with the mums.” Community members can purchase mums for $10 per pot or $15 for a combo pot. Mallory says individuals can come over to the homeschool education center Monday through Friday noon-6 p.m. and Saturday morning 9 a.m. till noon in Kalona, pick out their own flowers, and pay for them in person.