Work-based learning student Sofia Torres works with the UD Botanic Gardens' horticulture manager Andrew Adams to prepare for the Botanic Gardens' annual plant sale.

Hands-on horticulture

Article by Molly Schafer Photos by Jeremy Wayman and courtesy of UD Botanic Gardens May 17, 2024

UD Botanic Gardens prepares Delaware high school students to become the next generation of horticulturists

The University of Delaware Botanic Gardens (UDBG) is preparing the next generation of horticulturists through a work-based learning program for high school seniors in Delaware’s Appoquinimink School District.

“If you look at Delaware and our region, we have an abundance of botanic gardens and parks,” said Lauren Kope, director of UDBG. “Horticulture is a highly desired skill. Most people experience only the public-facing side of gardens, but behind the scenes is an entire industry that is hungry for horticulture professionals.”

UDBG offers high school seniors a peek behind the scenes of an industry that includes landscape design, nursery production, garden centers and irrigation careers. While the horticulture field holds many opportunities, it is not a well-known career path, said UD Class of 2011 alumna and Delaware agriscience teacher Brynn Bailey, whose students attend the work-based learning program.

“We provide the students with a preview of the horticultural industry,” said UD alumnus and UD Botanic Gardens horticulture manager Andrew Adams, who is responsible for training the students.

Lauren Kope, director of UD Botanic Gardens, teaches plant identification to Sofia Torres, a first-year student at UD and participant in the work-based learning program.

Adams covers plant identification and horticultural practices like propagation, watering techniques and proper three-point pruning. The training occurs on the Botanic Gardens’ 15 acres of gardens and in the greenhouse. Onsite at UD, students encounter various horticulture professionals and plant science researchers.

“They might see Jill Pollok, our plant diagnostician, or they will see Brian Kunkel, a Cooperative Extension specialist, working on integrated pest management,” Adams said.

Adams is a favorite among the work-based learning students; they attest to his knowledge and sense of humor, which made the experience extra special.

“Andrew can answer pretty much any question,” said Weslee Harkins, who participated in the program in 2023. “He knows plant science, and he let me drive the gator.”

Adams is similarly impressed by the high school students.

"I did not realize how well prepared the students would be,” Adams said. “They arrive with a ton of background knowledge and show a genuine interest in plants.”

Andrew Adams is preparing the next generation of horticulturists through a work-based learning program for high school seniors; he teaches horticultural practices like proper pruning and plant propagation.

“This has been such a positive experience for our students,” said Bailey, who teaches the four-year plant science pathway at Middletown High School.

Her students are required to log 50 hours in an immersive experience before graduation.

The bulk of that experience involves helping UDBG prepare for its largest fundraiser, the annual plant sale. Upwards of 1,500 people attend the four-day, ever-popular event. The last day of the sale coincides with the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Ag Day, a UD student-driven event that draws thousands of visitors from the community.

Students work to ensure the plants look their best and identify plants with labels detailing their different growing conditions.

“The sale allows the students to connect with the public,” Kope said. “They help us to move thousands of plants during the sale.”

Harkins fondly recalls his plant sale experience.

“It was great, even though it was pouring rain,” he said. “We carried plants, loaded customers’ cars, and checked they had all the correct plants.”

Work-based learning program participant Sofia Torres enjoyed the camaraderie.

Lauren Kope discusses container garden design with work-based learning students Sofia Torres and Weslee Harkins.

“I liked being part of a group who all enjoyed the same thing and accomplished something together as a team,” said Torres, whose group would visit UDairy Creamery to cool off after a warm day in the gardens.

After learning about the horticulture industry at UDBG, Torres chose to study plant science. The current UD student is a SEED (Student Excellence Equals Degree) scholarship recipient.

“There is a big misconception about careers with plants,” Torres said. “There is more to it than mowing lawns. There is knowing what pests could be damaging the grass, the amount of sunlight, the area and the climate it needs to thrive.”

Bailey’s Plant Science Pathway students have pursued plant-related degrees and careers. She hopes more students will consider a career in the horticulture industry.

“A lot of people in the horticulture industry — they’re aging out, they're retiring,” Bailey said. “The more young people engage in programs like the one at UDBG, the more likely they are to stay in the industry.”

“You can learn plant identification in a book,” Adams said. “But when you go out and get your hands on these plants, it's a different ball game.”