Student Housing and Benefits

While students are enrolled in the College Internship, International or Professional Gardener Training Program they are able to live rent-free (a taxable benefit) on Red Lion Row (within the grounds of Longwood Gardens). Red Lion Row was originally built around the turn of the century by Pierre S. du Pont to house his employees and their families. There are 12 fully furnished duplex-style houses, each with three or four bedrooms. At any given time, there are between 20-40 students living on "The Row."

Life on the Row is very social and submersed in horticulture. Students often attend evening lectures or courses offered at Longwood, available to students at a reduced cost. Additionally, interns and internationals are encouraged, and Professional Gardener students are required, to keep and maintain a garden. Many find this practice exceptionally advantageous to their horticulture education.

Benefits

• Free furnished housing within easy walking distance of Longwood Gardens. Further details of the houses are below. This is a taxable benefit; all utilities are included except cable television. Students can purchase cable television or internet access and pay for it individually if desired.
• Interns and Internationals receive a taxable stipend of $8.50 per hour, 40 hours per week. A typical week includes four-and-a-half 8-hour work days and one half-day learning activity, including field trips, lectures, and or self-guided study.
• Professional Gardener Students receive a bi-weekly stipend equivalent to $8.50 per hour for 40-hour weeks.
• Two complimentary admission tickets for every month of work.
• Access to the Longwood Gardens library, a great resource for research on horticulture and related topics.
• Discounted enrollment in all Longwood Gardens Continuing Education courses and lectures.
• Discounts in the Terrace Restaurant and the Longwood Gardens Shop.
• Free admittance to many local gardens and museums.
• A 1-year American Public Gardens Association student membership.

Student Garden Area

Directly south of the student houses is the student garden area. Professional Gardeners are required to keep a garden as part of their coursework. Interns and Internationals may also keep a garden if they wish. Students are responsible for the up-keep of their individual gardens and must return the plot to its original condition before leaving. Communal tools are available as well as mulch, compost, and leaf mold. A greenhouse and head house are provided for the Professional Gardeners' coursework. Any space they are not using in the greenhouse may be used by other students.

Kitchen

Kitchens have basic appliances such as oven, stove, and refrigerator as well as a dishwasher, microwave and toaster. Each kitchen is equipped with dishes, silverware, and pots and pans. The Row also has a recycling and composting program.

Bedroom

Most students receive their own private bedroom; however, there are occasions during the summer season when two students may be asked to share a bedroom. Each bedroom comes with one or two twin beds, dressers, nightstands, lamps, desk and chair. Professional Gardeners and Interns must bring their own linens, while Longwood provides linens for all Internationals. The houses are not air conditioned. Box or window fans are a good investment for students living on The Row through the summer.

Dining Room and Computer

Dining rooms have table and chairs and a Longwood computer with hi-speed internet access and a printer. Students may bring their own computer, but must pay for private internet access.

Living Room

Living rooms have a sofa, loveseat, chair, end table, lamp, coffee table and television. Students may install cable television at their own expense if they wish. Telephones with local service are provided. Students are responsible for long-distance calls. We recommend a mobile phone or calling card.

Mudroom and Bathrooms

Each mudroom has a utility sink, as well as a washer and dryer. There are two full bathrooms in each house. Longwood supplies trashcans, vacuum, broom, dust pan and mop. Other cleaning and personal supplies must be bought by the students.