What comes to mind when you hear the word horticulture?
For many people, especially young students, the answer is "not much." Seed Your Future, a national nonprofit dedicated to promoting careers working with plants, is working to change that through its #IAmHorticulture campaign. By sharing authentic stories from professionals across the country, the campaign helps students discover the wide variety of rewarding careers available in the green industry.
At the Dixon Gallery and Gardens, horticulture is central to our mission. Our gardens are living collections that inspire visitors year-round, and behind every blooming bed is a dedicated team of horticulture professionals.
Meet Adam Queen, Cutting Gardens Manager at the Dixon Gallery and Gardens. Adam leads the care and cultivation of the Dixon's cutting gardens, helping grow the flowers used throughout the museum while creating beautiful seasonal displays for visitors. Read on to learn more about his career, what inspires him, and the advice he would give to the next generation of horticulture professionals.
How long have you worked in this industry?
"In the industry, over 10 years, probably going on 15. But I was in commercial agriculture for about 5 to 6 years, and then got into urban farming for a little while. Horticulture, maybe 6 or 7 years. I finished my degree later in life. I graduated from Oregon State with a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture."
What does a typical day look like for you?
"It depends on the season. Right now, we're in the early summer, so it's a lot of weeding because we're coming off post-spring planting. I come in and check on the plants, make sure everybody's watered really well, walk for pests and diseases, and check the rate of growth for the plants."
What advice would you give your younger self—or a student considering a career in horticulture?
"Don't be afraid to go with what you feel like you should do earlier. Trust your gut."
How has working in the green industry changed your outlook on life?
"Everything is more connected. That translates to humans as well; it's more of a community experience working in a public garden. It's not a community all the time because I don't see people all the time, but people see the plants that I take care of all the time."
Growing the Future
Seed Your Future believes everyone should understand the importance of plants and the many career opportunities within horticulture. By sharing stories like Adam's, the #IAmHorticulture campaign helps students see careers they may never have known existed.
The big picture is that horticulture offers countless opportunities to make a lasting impact on both people and the environment. If you're interested in public gardens, conservation, landscape management, floral design, research, or education, horticulture could be for you!