White Collar, Blue Collar—No, We Are Green Collar!
I never planned to work with plants or join the horticulture industry. In fact, I didn’t know a thing about it until I met Russ back in high school. He took me through the greenhouses, and I was instantly fascinated.
I hadn’t grown up gardening or working with plants, so everything I saw was new and exciting. Eventually, I started helping Russ’ parents during my summer breaks from college—and I never looked back.
I love this industry and the incredible people in it. Every time I attend Cultivate in Columbus, OH—one of the largest conferences and trade shows in our field—I’m reminded of just how vast and inspiring the horticulture world is. People from all over the globe come together to share innovations, ideas, and passion for plants. It’s impossible not to feel energized by the amazing work happening in horticulture.
All of this to say—it’s Green Career Week! Organized by Seed Your Future, this week is dedicated to raising awareness and providing resources for the next generation of green industry professionals.
Locally, many schools are doing a fantastic job introducing students to horticulture through hands-on experiences in school greenhouses. One standout program is led by Dr. Katelyn Willyerd and Jodie Hoover at Fort Cherry. Their students grow fresh vegetables in the school’s freight farm, which are then used in the school cafeteria—how cool is that?!
Recently, Erin and Lauren had the opportunity to visit Fort Cherry for their Ag Career Day, where they shared their expertise and experiences to help students explore potential career paths in horticulture.
If you’re interested in working in a garden center, greenhouse production, or landscaping, hands-on experience is the best way to get started! We’re hosting an open interview Job Fair this Saturday, March 8, from 9–11 AM at the garden center. Stop by to meet with one of our Managers—applications will be available on-site, or you can complete one online in advance.
I’ve also gathered some helpful resources for anyone—young or young at heart—looking to start a career in plants.
- Horticulture Career info, along with lists of where to study, internships and scholarships
- Bidwell Training Center’s Horticulture Technology Program
- Classes and Programs at Phipp’s Conseratory
- The Power of Plants: Intro to Therapeutic Horticulture; a lecture at the Botanic Garden on March 13
- Horticulture/Botany scholarship through the Herb Society of America
- Garden Club of America scholarships
- Therapeutic Garden Grants through the National Garden Bureau
Plants have a way of bringing people together, and the green industry is no different. If you’re curious about a career in horticulture, we’d love to chat! Stop by the Job Fair this Saturday or reach out anytime—we’re always happy to help fellow plant lovers find their path.
“Today I consider gardening one of the few creative and constructive activities which we have to offer to the younger generation. It is a healthy and peaceful activity. Beyond that it is a highly artistic occupation and from that point of view “planning a garden” should be brought into the vision of the young. The experience, that it is up to us to be able to create out of a brown patch of soil a lovely flowerbed, should fill the heart of a small child as well as of the grown up with delight and hopeful joy!”
Beate Hahn, German-American horticulturist and educator
Melanie has been with the family garden center business since 1999, gaining hands-on experience in nearly every aspect–from cashiering and greenhouse production to bookkeeping, perennial buying, marketing, and store management. Now serving as Finance and Marketing Director, she combines her expertise with a passion for growing the business. She and her husband, Russ, have loved seeing how plants, gardening, and beautiful landscapes bring joy to our community.
