Students Make Summer Serious Fun

Posted in Adult Education on August 5 2014, by Plant Talk

On July 14, more than 60 eager Summer Intensives students came to the Garden to begin a move toward changing their careers, learning new skills, and pursuing their passions. The Intensives are designed to accelerate training and Certification in Gardening, Floral Design, Landscape Design, Botanical Art & Illustration, and Horticultural Therapy.

Students came from as near as the tri-state area and as far as Texas to get professional training from the Garden. Some students had prior experience in these fields of study, while others were newcomers looking for a new career. This year’s students were, overwhelmingly, all on a mission to positively change their lives and the lives of others.

Patricia Harry, in the Horticultural Therapy program, left the finance sector earlier this year and began volunteering at the Garden where she began to merge her passions for gardening and working with young people. Patricia’s goal is to start a community gardening program that helps kids ages 11-18 become productive citizens as they move beyond education.

“Gardening is empowering, builds self-esteem, and teaches people to help their community,” Patricia said. “Horticultural Therapy works with every sector of society, so what better way to share the benefits of gardening with young people?”

Patricia isn’t the only student looking to change the world—or at least her community.

Samuel Rose, a Landscape Design student who also directs a nonprofit that provides educational opportunities in organic gardening, nutrition, sustainable living, and community empowerment in Mexico, said he signed up for the Intensive to improve how he does his job.

“I need to better visually communicate proposals to government and foundations to get projects approved and funded,” he said. Having design and drafting knowledge will enable him to illustrate exactly how grant money will be used for communities his organization benefits.

Floral Design students learn to appreciate a variety of styles during the Intensive. Creating approximately 40 arrangements, they gain a broad command of this art form. One student, YanJin Kim, wanted to strengthen her industry knowledge.

“I want to have a life-changing moment this summer and learn Western-style flower arranging,” said YanJin, who has practiced Ikebana, a style of Japanese flower arranging, for seven years. Her goal is to create “Asian Fusion” arrangements, combining Western and Ikebana designs.

The talented individuals pursuing professional training at the Garden this summer have given their utmost effort to expand their skills and bolster their knowledge to change their own lives, and eventually the lives of others. They are well on their way to achieving their goals.

Floral Design and Landscape Design students continue studying until August 15.