Botanical Garden’s School of Professional Horticulture Accepting Applications

The New York Botanical Garden’s School of Professional Horticulture, one of the best of its kind, offers students high-quality academic studies with hands-on practical training in a two-year, full-time program in New York City. The School is now accepting applications for the Class of 2017, which starts in January 2015. Interested and qualified individuals have until August 1, 2014 to apply. Prospective students may apply at nybg.org/edu/soph.

“Students who attend the School of Professional Horticulture at The New York Botanical Garden learn the best horticultural practices from some of the world’s most skilled horticulturists,” said School Director Charles M. Yurgalevitch, Ph.D. “Our mission is to provide students with a strong foundation in professional horticulture. With access to the Garden’s unparalleled resources and exposure to cutting-edge horticultural projects around the region, they can learn how to create spectacular green spaces for others to enjoy.”

Through classes, rotations, plant walks, educational field trips, internships, group projects, and lectures, students in the School are able to master the science of horticulture in the classroom and practice what they learn on the Garden’s 250-acre campus. Students gain real-world experience working closely with NYBG’s renowned Horticulture staff in their first year, and in their second year, expand their skills through a six-month internship.

School of Professional Horticulture graduates are highly sought after, and have gone on to pursue rewarding careers in gardening and landscape design, as estate managers, and as horticulturists for major public parks.

Among the prominent positions held by alumni are: Executive Director of High Glen Estate in Frederick, Maryland; Director of Growing at Neal Mast & Son Greenhouses, Inc., in Grand Rapids, Michigan; founder of Flora Horticultural Services, Ltd., the company that maintains the grounds at Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, New York; and Vivian and Edward Merrin Vice President for Glasshouses & Exhibitions at NYBG.