The State of The Gender Gap-Horticulture Programs

Paul Redman, Executive Director of Longwood Gardens near Philadelphia, one of the leading public gardens in the country, co-chair of the Seed Your Future initiative, which promotes horticulture as a career path for young people Mr. Redman is concerned about the increasing shortage of professional horticulturalists and horticulture programs at universities. He noted that enrollment in horticulture programs has declined dramatically at a time when the need for graduates of these programs is more important than ever. He outlined the wide variety of good jobs available and discussed possible reasons that horticulture is not considered by young adults preparing to enter college or the job market.