Parkside one of two schools nationwide you can see these flowers

Only two schools across the United States have the distinction of having the All America Selections, or AAS, display gardens. One of those just happens to be Parkside High School in Salisbury, Md.

“Not many people have that experience that we have to test new plants that nobody’s ever seen before, or have them and sell them and make profit off of them,” said senior Denayja Alston Dashiells.

The plants are non-genetically modified new breeds, usually hybrids of familiar plants for gardening sent out by the AAS.

The students at the Parkside green house are tasked with the responsibility of growing them from seedlings and documenting their progression.

Throughout the process, data is sent back to AAS so they can determine which environments are suitable for these plants, how they grow and whether they should be sold to the public.

Tuesday, the students planted the AAS selections in their display garden where they’ll remain all summer as they fully bloom.

Horticulture teacher Jerry Kelley said the flowers draw crowds from all over Delmarva and have an even bigger following online.

“Our plants are put on the AAS website and so people not only in this country, but the entire world can evaluate the results of these plants,” Kelley said.

The program through AAS is a prestigious one, but ultimately the one’s who benefit the most Kelley said are the students.

The opportunity to work on the cutting edge of gardening has changed many students minds on the idea of agriculture.

“At first I wanted to be an accountant, (this class) changed my mind completely,” said senior, Omariah Estrada.

Kelley recommends for people to come by to the Parkside greenhouse and take a look at some of these exclusive flowers this summer.