History of PGAA

Begun in 1970, this tuition-free, two-year accredited program is offered every other year to sixteen individuals who have obtained a high school diploma and have completed one year of horticultural work.

Trainees work in all horticultural areas of the garden and receive instruction from Longwood staff and outside consultants. Graduates are sought by botanical gardens, commercial horticultural enterprises, and estate gardens. The Professional Gardener Alumni Association (PGAA) was organized in 1976 to promote communication and to disseminate information among its members as well as others in horticulture.