CareErs in Public Horticulture
Career Category:
Horticulture
Position Title:
Horticulturist
Position Summary
- Cultivates and maintains special indoor or outdoor plant collections, and often designs plant displays
- This position often requires an undergraduate degree
- Other abilities: plant and insect identification, equipment operation, and integrated pest management
2006 APGA Salary Range
$27,500 to $44,197
Career Profiles of Adult Education Coordinators
Mary Allinson
Title
Display Section Gardener, Longwood Gardens
Job Responsibilities
- Hands on gardening team leader that coordinates a staff of 5 gardeners, each of whom manages separate indoor gardens, including the Children's Garden, the Tropical Terrace, Orchids, Water Lilies, Palms, and other conservatory spaces
- Along with a team of employees, students, and volunteers, ensures the proper maintenance, production, and overall appearance of section
- Works with creative teams for special displays, such as Christmas
Educational Background
- B.A. in Fine Arts, Indiana University of PA
- Professional Gardener Training Program, Longwood Gardens
Practical Experience
- Conestoga House, Lancaster, PA
- Ashcombe Farms and Greenhouses, Mechanicsburg, PA
Favorite / Least Favorite Part of the Job
- Favorite: Diversity of tasks and opportunities, and working with the general public
- Least Favorite: Having to wear steel toed shoes...
Other Thoughts / Advice
It is very fulfilling to work in a field that brings beauty and creativity to the general public. It's great to share the passion for plants.