2019 ASHS Annual Conference

The planning for a new program to train gardeners and horticulturists at Longwood Gardens began 50 years ago in 1969. Since that time, Longwood has been administering a two-year program combining hands-on immersive learning with collegiate -level academics. In 2018, as part of the 2022 Strategic Plan, a comprehensive review of Longwood’s Professional Gardener Program was conducted. Feedback collected through workshops and surveys with program constituents identified skills, knowledge and experience relevant for current and future horticultural industries. Phone interviews conducted with a cross-section of the horticulture industry provided insight into the needs and expectations of horticultural employers. Feedback from constituents and ideas garnered from benchmarking with peer institutions were used to evolve, improve, and implement program curriculum. The main tenets of the program have been enhanced to inspire learning through immersive academic and practical experiences with an emphasis on practical learning projects. The program will maintain academic rigor and articulate to key universities though a progressive delivery supporting learning and hands-on application in Longwood’s gardens. The curriculum has evolved for students to learn weekly, both in the classroom and through working in the gardens. A renewed focus has been placed on the program’s individuality, leveraging the expertise of our staff and the legacy of Longwood’s Design, Crop Production, and Conservation and Research practices. The redesigned and improved Professional Horticulture Program will provide participants a broad exposure to horticulture through a series of curricular modules while allowing participants the opportunity for focus and personalization.