Hort groups aim to increase public awareness

The American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS) and Longwood Gardens have partnered with a number of other national horticulture-based organizations on a new initiative to increase public awareness of the positive attributes of horticulture as a career. They are seeking input from industry professionals, and have developed a website, growit.ashs.org/, with more information on the national action plan for promoting horticulture in the U.S. The website also links to the five-minute survey that they are asking green industry professionals to take.

The first step of their initiative involves a national study. Phase one of the national study entails a review of existing research already conducted with key stakeholders and collaborative discussions with leading partners to gain valuable insights into public perceptions and industry awareness of horticultural career paths. Phase two will focus on the university and college sector, while phase three will reach out to the public sector. In particular, the goals of the national study will be to determine awareness levels of horticulture, to understand the motivations and barriers to pursuing a career in horticulture, and to determine what might move potential students and their families in support of horticultural careers through words, images, and associations.