Class of 2026
Rachael Adams
Rachael developed a passion for horticulture in high school, where she spent time researching plants and working at a local nursery. After pursuing a degree in Communications, she realized her true calling was in horticulture. Gaining hands-on experience at a fruit-and-vegetable and peony farm, she experimented with growing her own dahlias. Now, she seeks to deepen her knowledge through Longwood Gardens’ Professional Horticulture Program, excited about the immersive learning experience and the opportunity to grow her skills.
Travis Cox
Travis has been passionate about growing and designing with plants for as long as he can remember. At age 13, he became the youngest Master Gardener in his home state of Louisiana. He graduated from Cornell University in 2024 with a degree in Plant Sciences before arriving at Longwood, where he hopes to refine his horticulture skills and develop lifelong friendships along the way.
Melanie De La Cruz
Melanie's love for horticulture bloomed during summers with her family in the Dominican Republic. After college, she discovered her passion for urban gardening and community building. She spent the past year running a plant store in Philadelphia, and now looks forward to broadening her horizons through the Professional Horticulture program.
Samuel Diaz
Samuel first entered Longwood Gardens as an employee in the garden shop, and then transitioned to assistant grower in the production greenhouse. Through the work he did and the people he met, Samuel became interested in the Professional Horticulture program. Samuel strives to gain an education in horticulture, as well as getting hands on in the many divisions of Longwood Gardens.
Joshua Ferris
Joshua graduated from Lockhaven University in 2022 with a degree in environmental and international studies. His love for horticulture grew while doing restoration work in California, Alaska, and Alabama. Joshua joined the Professional Horticulture program because of his love for the environment and his desire to deepen his connection to it.
Matthew Fleischhacker
Matthew grew up in Chugiak, Alaska, gardening since he could remember. Each year Matthew tried to expand his knowledge and garden space. Beyond the gardens, Matthew enjoys a wide variety of hobbies including pottery, playing the cello, downhill skiing, hiking, playing tennis, and photography. Matthew is blessed to be a part of the Professional Horticulture program and is excited about his future.
Micah High
Micah developed his love for the outdoors and horticulture throughout his career by working at a landscaping design company, a nursery, and hobby gardening. He graduated high school from Quakertown Christian School in 2024 and is excited to continue his learning here at Longwood.
Logan Kline
Logan graduated from Penn State University last December with a degree in biology. He has had an interest in horticulture since his first year in college due to his grandparents’ affection for gardening and has worked in non-profit regenerative agriculture prior to the program. He hopes this program will refine his career trajectory in horticulture.
Lauryn McMiller
Lauryn’s interest in plants began with a love for the outdoors and gardening as a child. After completing the Highlands Mountains Biodiversity Field Site as an Environmental Science major at UNC-Chapel Hill, she decided to pursue horticulture as a career. She then spent time in media and marketing at a North Carolina plant nursery. She hopes to emerge with new skills and the mastery it takes to be a plant professional.
Ellie Schlehr
Ellie began her horticultural journey working in the nursery of her hometown garden center. While completing her degree in biology, she spent time working at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens. In her free time, Ellie volunteers with wildlife organizations and is excited to continue to connect people with nature here at Longwood Gardens.