The Horticulture and Landscaping program is an introductory course for students who wish to prepare for post-secondary study in the field of horticulture or to enter the workforce upon completion of high school. You will be using computers intensively to research as well as to create a digital portfolio that will span three years. The portfolio will contain all projects and tests. Horticulture is a three-year program and covers the basics of horticulture including taxonomy and plant science, floral design and color theory, customer and business skills, and greenhouse and landscape management. You will work in a fully functional floral shop that the you and other students will operate, as well as a greenhouse and school landscape for students to maintain. There are also opportunities for involvement in organizations such as Skills USA VICA and FFA.

If you are
·         creative
·         a nature lover
·         ambitious
·         athletic 

If you have

• an interest in plant life and science
• artistic ability
• good physical ability
• average math skills
• an understanding of business and communication skills

If you like to

• work outdoors in hot and cold weather
• work with others as a group
• be physically active
• grow plants or flowers
• express yourself creatively

You will need

• a good attitude and physical ability
• knowledge of geometry and measurement skills
• communication skills
• tool kit (student’s responsibility) that can be purchased through the school – approximately $60.00

Caution

This class deals with many items that may bother people with allergies or sensitivities (examples include but are not limited to flowers, pollen, plants, chemical sprays, and pesticides). It is the student’s and parent’s/guardian’s responsibility to notify the school in writing of any allergies and sensitivities.

If you think

• these qualities and characteristics describe YOU

This may be the program you are looking for!

Nature of the Program:  This program has been developed in close coordination with the landscape, horticulture, and floriculture industry and is moving toward an environmentally friendly approach to land stewardship, and to focus on customer service, safety, and efficiency. Many of the jobs in landscaping and horticulture are physically demanding and repetitive. The workweek sometimes consists of long hours in many different types of weather. Full-time year round work is sometimes difficult to obtain due to the seasonal nature of this profession.   

Completion of the Program:  Upon completion of the horticulture and landscaping program, students should have the qualifications to obtain an entry-level position in the landscaping, floriculture, or horticulture industry. Landscaping laborers and floral designers may advance to a supervisory position after gaining experience. Technological advances in the industry have made postsecondary education advantageous for career advancement. 

Related Occupations: Floral shop designers, floral shop proprietor/managers, nursery workers, landscape designers and architects, greenhouse workers and grounds keepers.