Developing Opportunities In Public Horticulture for Generation Y

The next generation of leaders is among us, in our schools, in front of gaming stations or on Facebook, but not so much in our gardens. As horticulture professionals, how can we entice Generation Y away from their cellular phones and their social media-driven lives? Longwood Gardens is partnering with regional high schools to develop programming and opportunities for students interested in public horticulture. Through programs such as the High School Summer Internship Program (HSSIP) and a new Co-op program, Longwood Gardens is increasing the exposure of public horticulture to young adults. The HSSIP Program at Longwood Gardens expanded to nine students representing six different high schools in 2010. This program, once a partnership between just two schools, has grown and encompasses much more than just horticulture. Last year, interns were exposed to various field trips, learning activities, lectures, and even a community outreach project, but they worked in education, facilities and even the gift shop. This experience allows today’s youth to understand that there is much more to public horticulture than just plants and gardens. What are these students doing now? They are applying and being accepted into college and universities to study landscaping, turf, and horticulture. Longwood is forging ahead with a new initiative to engage high school students beyond the summer months with a new Co-op program. This program is set to launch in fall of 2011 and will engage students in various areas across the garden throughout the school year. Culinary, mechanics, HVAC, security, carpentry, and of course horticulture are just a few of the areas where these Co-ops are being extended. In preparation for the new program, students have been shadowing Longwood Gardens’ staff and visiting the gardens on guided tours. We anticipate that this experiential learning and on-the-job training will raise awareness about plants, the environment, sustainable practices, but more importantly the scope and breadth of opportunities in public horticulture.