Professional Horticulture Program

No other program combines practical experience, coursework, interactive projects, and study abroad opportunities—tuition free.

Applications for 2022 are currently closed.

Our two-year Professional Horticulture program (formerly called the Professional Gardener Program) offers hands-on learning alongside our expert staff in one of the great gardens of the world. Whether you are currently working in the field, a recent high school or college graduate, or looking to change careers, our program prepares graduates to enjoy successful careers in public, private, or commercial horticulture, and join a network of Longwood alumni working in leadership positions around the globe.

During the program, students are immersed through six core modules, each with a compelling mix of coursework and masterclasses, hands-on practical experiences, field trips, and certification opportunities. The core modules include:

  • Fundamentals of Horticulture

  • Plant Health Care

  • Horticultural Crop Production

  • Plant Identification and Culture

  • Design & Landscape Maintenance

  • Professionalism

Integrated in the modules are experiential learning projects; the design and maintenance of a Student Exhibition Garden; real-world production of produce in partnership with our Terrace Restaurant; opportunities for personalized learning; and much more.

In addition to being tuition-free, our Professional Horticulture Program enables students to live rent-free on the Longwood grounds, receive hourly pay, and enjoy a number of other benefits.

All Longwood staff, students, and volunteers are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 unless a medical or religious accommodation is approved.

Questions?

Please contact:
Office of Domestic & International Studies
edu-studies@longwoodgardens.org
610.388.5239

Learn More About the Program

If you’re considering applying to the program, view this recorded webinar to learn more about the program, hear from existing students, and get your questions answered. Applications for 2022 are currently closed. The program begins in August 2022.

Explore Our Student Exhibition Garden

Billy’s Video

2021 Professional Horticulture Program graduate Billy Russel takes you on a tour of the garden he designed with his colleagues Courtney England and Wyatt Emig entitled Dubious Questions of the Soul. Billy lets us in on his personal journey designing the garden and finding a lifelong passion in horticulture.

Hannah’s Video

2021 Professional Horticulture Program graduate Hannah Watts takes you on a tour of the garden she designed with her colleagues Lauren Meyer and Mel Ciliberto entitled In Flames that centers around the theme of fire.

Mark’s Video

2021 Professional Horticulture Program graduate Mark Volpe takes you on a tour of the garden he designed with his colleagues Kaylene Argot and Miguel Loredo entitled Two Roads that interprets a poem by Robert Frost.

Learn More