Many of us share a connection with plants, with a foundation that is deeply rooted in being exposed to plants at a young age. Just like many, this would ignite a slow-burning flame in me that would later be fed by curiosity, beauty, sciences, conservation, education and connection. I have been fortunate to travel and work across the globe, experiencing public gardens and different cultures of horticulture since starting my horticulture career at 15 years old, now age 25. These opportunities have shaped me into a horticulturist I could never have imagined before.

For the past nine months, I have been participating in an international intern/trainee program at one of the most prestigious and world-renowned gardens, Longwood Gardens, in Pennsylvania, United States. My internship allowed for three rotations within the horticulture departments – namely Conservation Horticulture, Production Nursery and Conservatory Display, which can only be described as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

From the beginning of my internship, I was in awe of the beauty of Longwood Gardens. Whether that was in Main Fountain Gardens, Flower Garden Walk, Peirce’s Woods, the Hillside Garden or the Italian Water Garden. And how could I forget to mention the iconic conservatories that display a variety of species, cultivars and plant hybrids showcasing seasonal interest of textures and colours from foliage to flower, which I can only describe as showcasing a flower show garden year-round.

Longwood Gardens is known for many incredible annual displays, which coincide with the seasons. However, while most gardens slow down for winter, Longwood Gardens start to transform for their fifth and final season and most famous display, A Longwood Christmas. Longwood Gardens transforms the garden into a magical place with Christmas lights throughout the trees, massive Picea abies decorated with Christmas ornaments, and let’s not forget Poinsettias, Euphorbia pulcherrima, cultivars and hybrids whose incredible bracts fill the main conservatory with Christmas spirit.

However, while Longwood Gardens showcases itself as a display and pleasure garden for all to enjoy, it is much more than a garden. Within its core runs a deep passion for horticulture science and research, from exploration around the globe, to creating rich partnerships from collection trips, and rediscovering extinct plants, most recently Nymphacea stuhlmannii, which was a major breakthrough for conservation and the research team at Longwood Gardens.

Longwood Gardens isn’t all about the spectacular horticulture displays from the Chrysanthemum festival, seasonal hanging baskets and magical landscapes or its Festival of Fountains. It’s the employee who expresses their passion and purpose to showcase the best of horticulture excellence, in the hopes of truly inspiring every visitor that enters and wanders through their creativity and craftsmanship, creating a garden that is a world apart.

I would highly recommend an internship at Longwood Gardens for anyone looking to further their knowledge and appreciation of horticulture. The experience provided not only valuable practical skills but also lasting inspiration, professional connections, and a deeper understanding of the global horticultural industry. Experiences like this help shape not only better horticulturists, but also stronger advocates for the important role public gardens and plants play in our world.

Visit Longwood Gardens website to learn more. https://longwoodgardens.org/