Professional Gardener Program

The Professional Gardener Program class of 2009-2010 began on January 5, 2009. Pictured in the Silver Garden from left to right are Steven Cirafesi, Gavin Witmeyer (kneeling), Shannon Schmidt, Greg Afman, Suzanne Caron, Emma Seniuk, Nate Reuther, Hudson Kalble, and Deb Wiles. 

This two-year, tuition-free program is offered every year to approximately eight individuals who have obtained at least a high school diploma and have one year of horticultural experience.

Students work in all horticultural areas of the garden and receive classroom instruction from Longwood staff and outside instructors. Graduates are sought by public gardens, commercial horticultural enterprises and estate gardens.   

Practical Experience

Professional Gardener Students (PGs) spend about half of their time in horticultural work rotations throughout the Gardens. Students work directly under the supervision of Longwood's expert staff through a series of ten different concentration areas. 

Coursework

Students enrolled in the Professional Gardener Program spend about half of their time in classes taught by Longwood staff and local experts who bring years of education, experience, knowledge and professional training to their courses. Students are also able to participate in occasional field learning activities, including field trips, lectures and/or self-guided study. Students must successfully complete all courses, and maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale in order to graduate from the program.

Student Activities

Field trips permit behind-the-scenes visits to public display gardens and private estates as well as to nurseries, garden centers and greenhouses. These experiences emphasize plants, design, maintenance and business philosophy, and point out the diversity of the horticultural industry. In addition, students have access to Longwood’s 35,000-volume library, which provides extensive resource material.

Wage

Students receive a taxable biweekly stipend of $548.00 (approximately $14,255 annually).

Housing

While enrolled, students can live rent-free (a taxable benefit) on the grounds of the former estate of industrialist Pierre S. du Pont. The student houses are furnished and include kitchen utensils, dishes, laundry facilities, a computer with internet access, WI-FI, and nearby garden space. Students have their own bedrooms and share common living spaces. They are responsible for cooking, cleaning, landscape maintenance and personal supplies.

Job Placement

Upon completion of the program, students receive a diploma from Longwood Gardens. Since the program’s beginning in 1970, approximately 85% of all graduates have pursued careers in horticultural industries such as nurseries and garden centers, floriculture enterprises, park and grounds management, landscape contracting, residential and public garden management and self-employment.

Application

The application for the 2010-2011 class of Professional Gardener students is now available. Please click here to download a copy. All applications must be received at Longwood Gardens by July 1, 2009. The Selection Committee will review only completed applications and will interview up to 20 candidates. Interviews will take place in early September. The program will begin in January 2010 and end in December 2011.

Contact

For more information and specific starting dates, contact Mark Richardson, Student Programs Coordinator at 610-388-1000 ext. 501 or e-mail mrichardson@LongwoodGardens.org.