Horticulture
INSTRUCTOR
Mrs. Barbara Mueller
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Horticulture curriculum consists of landscaping, greenhouse management and floral design. All of the areas are taught via hands-on practical applications and theory in the classroom. If you enjoy spending your school day outside, Horticulture is the place for you! Students learn landscape maintenance and installation through care of the school grounds and installation of the landscape at the student built homes. Some of the equipment used includes zero turning radius mowers, sod cutter, rototilling, line trimmers, and a Kawasaki Mule®. Floral design is taught by completing many pieces for customers including wedding designs, holiday arrangements, prom flowers and school functions. Floral designers learn techniques to use with fresh, silk and dried floral designs. Students operate the large greenhouse and produce a wide variety of plant materials for customer sales. This program will offer students the opportunity to obtain entry-level employment and/or prepare them for career education at the college level.
OCCUPATIONAL DESCRIPTION
It is essential that anyone that works within the Horticulture industry be able to work in a variety of physical and environmental conditions. Workers can expect to work outdoors in all weather conditions, lift heavy objects and stay on their feet for long periods of time. Workers should expect to work holidays, night and weekend hours depending on the specific field of Horticulture in which they are employed. The program is based on hands-on learning in the greenhouse, floral shop/studio and outdoors. They will become skilled in using most of the essential hand tools and equipment from the industry. They will become familiar with a variety of heavy equipment that is used for quality landscaping and hardscaping. Students will receive practical training in most areas of greenhouse management, landscaping, hardscaping, and floral design. They will also be in direct contact with customers during retail sales, when ordering flowers, and off-site landscaping projects. A student usually can start their career in any of the D.O.T titles shown.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Working conditions vary greatly from employer to employer and between the specific fields of Horticulture. Employees will be expected to work long hours on their feet, outdoors during hot and cold weather and to lift heavy objects repeatedly. Workers must be able to handle stressful periods surrounding deadlines, and the worker must both set and meet deadlines.
PROJECTED SALARIES
Median wages vary greatly with the specific field of Horticulture, experience and location of work. The median range varies from $10.00 per hour for a grounds maintenance worker up to and above $25.00 per hour for a Horticulture superintendent.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
The projected growth of employment within the various aspects of the Horticulture industry varies from 10-20% until the year 2014. Additional employees are sought in all areas of the Horticulture industry through the year 2014.
POST SECONDARY EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Delaware Valley College
Pennsylvania College of Technology
Pennsylvania State University
Williamson Free Trade School
Temple University
ARTICULATION AGREEMENTS
Penn College of Technology
