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Education

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Mission

The Longwood Gardens Professional Gardener Training Program trains students to be gardeners skilled in the art and science of horticulture. The training combines hands-on experience and a rigorous academic curriculum over a two-year period, preparing individuals for employment as professional gardeners in public, private and commercial horticulture.

Students study botany, horticulture, and design in depth. They learn to use, identify, grow, and maintain attractive, healthy plants and to effectively communicate this knowledge.

The program philosophy centers on utilizing the vast resources of Longwood Gardens to inspire students to learn and to develop a high level of quality, excellence and professionalism.

Statement of Goals

  • Support and reflect the Mission Statement and Principles of Longwood Gardens, the will of Pierre S. du Pont and the values of decisions of the Board of Trustees and management staff.
  • Provide an excellent education in ornamental horticulture for selected high school graduates who are committed to a career in horticulture.
  • Produce highly trained individuals who are prepared for employment in horticulture.

Statement of Goals - Supporting

  • Provide a curriculum that prepares students to excel as gardeners.
  • Provide practical training opportunities by involving students in garden operations.
  • Provide high quality resources for study and learning.
  • Hire top quality instructors for each course.
  • Involve students in a positive work environment allowing them to master skills necessary to achieve excellent results in gardening.
  • Teach and instill the importance of safe work practices.
  • Maintain comfortable and convenient housing for students.
  • Expose students to the major components of horticulture.
  • Provide opportunities for individual development, specialization and the development of a career.

Programs & Upcoming Educational Opportunities

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Longwood Graduate Program Symposium

March 2, 2012

The 2012 Longwood Graduate Program Annual Symposium brings together the best of zoo and garden expertise to discover how public gardens and other institutions can inspire their audiences to care and advocate for conservation.

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Today's Horticulture Symposium

Friday, February 3

Enjoy this daylong symposium boasting a diverse lineup of speakers and featuring a plant sale.

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Clivia Show

March 17 & 18

Enjoy this colorful show of unique plants, including a special display of Chinese clivia, presented by the North American Clivia Society.

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Professional Gardener Program

Longwood's immersive, tuition-free, two-year program combines a rigorous academic curriculum with hands-on learning.

Find out more