Lessons for the Next Generation of Horticulturists
Recently, I had the opportunity to return to Millersville University as a guest speaker for the Department of Biology’s Colloquium series. Having graduated in 2022 with a degree in Environmental Biology, it was a surreal experience to find myself presenting in the very lecture hall where I had once attended so many undergraduate classes.
My presentation, From Biology Student to the Floriculture Industry, focused on the many exciting career opportunities available in horticulture, particularly in plant trials and new product development. More importantly, I wanted to share something I wish I had understood as a student: It’s okay not to know exactly where your career is going!
From Flower Trials Intern to Darwin’s Diversity of Plants
My own journey into horticulture began with an internship at Penn State’s Flower Trials at the Southeast Agricultural Research and Extension Center (SEAREC) in Landisville, Pennsylvania. At the time, I was an aspiring entomologist interested in studying insects and pollinators. Horticulture wasn’t necessarily part of my long-term plan. That internship introduced me to an entire industry I hadn’t previously considered.
My path after graduation wasn’t particularly straightforward either. I explored other industries, developed new skills, and eventually found my way back to floriculture as the Perennial Trials Coordinator for Darwin Perennials. Looking back, each experience contributed something valuable, even when I couldn’t see how the pieces would fit together.
To help introduce students to the diversity of plants we work with, I brought along a selection of high-quality varieties, including Heuchera Carnival Cinnamon Stick and Carnival Cocomint, Lavandula Phenomenal, Veronica Skyward Lilac, and Rudbeckia Suntacular. The plants provided an opportunity to discuss everything from landscape design to growing practices and product development. When questions about landscaping came up, I found myself channeling advice from Mike Annes, while grower-related questions had me recalling plenty of lessons from Chris Fifo. It was a wonderful reminder that so much of what we learn professionally comes from the people we work alongside.
Sharing Horticulture Experiences
One of my favorite moments happened after the presentation, when students gathered around to inspect the plants and share their own experiences with horticulture. One student, whose research involved studying cancer in lung cells, eagerly showed me photographs from a recent visit to Longwood Gardens. Although the scientific interests among students in the room were quite different, they all shared an appreciation for the beauty and complexity of plants.
Returning to Millersville reminded me just how valuable it is for students to hear from professionals with different educational backgrounds and career experiences. Not everyone knows what they want to do after graduation. In fact, many of us discover our interests through internships, unexpected opportunities, conversations, and even careers we ultimately decide not to pursue. I certainly didn’t know as an undergraduate that I would someday work in perennial product development. I didn’t even know my current position existed!
I would encourage fellow horticulture professionals to consider participating in future university colloquiums, like at Millersville University, as well as career panels, and classroom presentations. Whether your expertise is in breeding, growing, plant health, research, sales, marketing, or another corner of our industry, your experience could introduce a student to a career they never knew was possible. After all, an internship at SEAREC and a few encouraging words from a Trials Director helped change the direction of my own career. Who knows what a single conversation or presentation might inspire in someone else?
I’d like to give a heartfelt thank you to the Millersville University Department of Biology for welcoming me back, and to Dr. Stieha for the invitation and opportunity to connect with students, and, of course, the excellent snacks!
I hope to see more of my fellow horticulture professionals sharing their stories with the next generation. You never know whose curiosity you might help cultivate!