Hesston College Horticulture-Public Gardening Major

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Horticulture-Public Gardening

Are you considering a career in public gardening or horticulture? At Hesston College, you will receive the personal attention and solid academic preparation that will take you where you want to go. Additionally, the Hesston College-owned Dyck Arboretum of the Plains provides a unique opportunity to offer pre-professional training for a wide range of vocations associated with public gardening and horticulture. Specifically the arboretum offers students interested in public gardening and horticulture opportunities to gain hands-on experience in practicums that focus on various facets of public gardening. Four hours of practicum credit are included in the program of study. They provide a sound base of practical experience that is required in four-year programs and that is preferred by employers in horticulture-related occupations.

How will Hesston College prepare me for further studies?
Hesston College offers an associate of arts degree and an associate of science degree. Both programs provide opportunity to transfer into a university horticultural science program of your choice. These programs can be specially designed for you and your specific interests to fulfill the primary sequence of courses required for subsequent upper-level horticulture programs of study.

"Hesston College's science department was very helpful in furthering my education. Through small classes and close personal attention with teacher/student relationships, I was able to receive the skills I needed to learn in a larger academic atmosphere. Hesston College provided me with a sound academic education that allowed me to finish my studies and earn a B.S. in Agricultural Science from the University of Nebraska."

-Tim Friesen, class of 1999

Curriculum focus areas for practica are listed below. It should be noted that practica will be tailored to meet the individual interests and strengths of participating students.

Freshman Year

BiSc 185. Seed Collection and Plant Propagation (1-2 hours)
Working with Dyck Arboretum staff, students will assist with seed collection and preparation, and plant propagation from seed. Native prairie plant materials will be the primary focus.

BiSc 187. Public Garden Design, Planting, and Maintenance (1-2 hours)
Working with Dyck Arboretum staff, students will observe and assist with small garden design, planting, and maintenance, with emphases on use of native prairie plant materials.

Sophomore Year

BiSc 285. Public Garden Education and Interpretation (1-2 hours)
Working with Dyck Arboretum staff, students will assist with the planning and implementation of educational and interpretive programs and events.

BiSc 287. Public Garden Administration (1-2 hours)
Working with Dyck Arboretum staff, students will assist with research, analysis, scheduling, promotion, and other tasks associated with the day-to-day operations of a public garden.

There are many careers in public gardening and horticulture to choose from after Hesston College, including Public Gardening – Arboretum Opportunities, Fruit/Vegetable Management, Horticultural Specialty Farming, Greenhouse Operations and Management, Nursery Management, Landscape and Turf Management, Landscape Design, Environmental Horticulture, and Horticultural Therapy.