A new horticulture major was chosen by over one-third of this yearÕs 74 plant science students. The enrollment reflects a strong demand for horticulture graduates in both urban and rural areas of the Northwest, according to Bob Tripepi, UI horticulture professor.

Graduates are finding jobs at production nurseries and greenhouses, at garden centers and golf courses, and in their own landscape contracting businesses.

Horticulture classes regularly include field trips to regional nurseries, and students are encouraged to complete internships or research pro-jects to gain practical experience.

(photo above by Bill Loftus)

Horticulture students raise money for scholarships and field trips by, among other projects, growing bedding plants in the university greenhouses.

-Kate Painter