Longwood Gardens opens applications for Professional Horticulture Program

KENNETT SQUARE, Pa. – Longwood Gardens recently announced that applications are open for its newly renamed and reinvigorated Professional Horticulture Program.

The two-year residential program is the evolution of the Professional Gardener Program, which has been preparing students for rewarding careers in horticulture since 1970. The Professional Horticulture Program combines practical experience, coursework, hands-on projects, and study abroad opportunities—tuition free. Designed for recent high school graduates to those looking to change careers, the two-year program offers an immersive learning experience.

Interested individuals should visit longwoodgardens.org/education for more information and to apply. Applications close May 15.

"Education is core to Longwood’s mission,” said Paul B. Redman, president and CEO of Longwood Gardens. "Thousands of students from all over the world have participated in our education programs and have gone on to leadership roles in many of the world's top horticultural institutions. Our reinvigorated Professional Horticulture Program continues the compelling mix of coursework and practical experience that made it a top choice for aspiring horticulture professionals for nearly 50 years, but now also offers new experiences and topics of study that align with the fast-growing demands of our industry.”

Students are immersed in six core modules, which are:

• Fundamentals of Horticulture
• Plant Health Care
• Horticultural Crop Production
• Plant Identification and Culture
• Design & Landscape Maintenance
• Professionalism

New areas of study include leadership, urban and community gardening, cultural awareness, and the opportunity for students to specialize in a topic of focused immersion. Students also undertake a number of special projects, including designing and maintaining a Student Exhibition Garden and experiencing real-world produce production working with Longwood’s Terrace Restaurant.

In addition to being tuition free, the Professional Horticulture students live rent-free on the Longwood grounds, receive hourly pay, and enjoy a number of other benefits. The Professional Horticulture Program is taught at the collegiate level and articulates to regional colleges and universities. Program alumni interested in continuing their education can apply their two years of learning at Longwood towards a degree.