Jan

Public gardens and the public good

For the past 16 years, the Smithsonian’s Horticulture Services Division has sponsored a series of training sessions geared toward professional staff development and outreach to the greater public garden community. These sessions, known as In-Service Training, have been a tremendously important component of HSD’s efforts to engage in best practices and cutting-edge technologies as well as education and outreach in the field of public horticulture.

What began as an efficient and economical way of offering training to HSD staff has grown into an event which brings together more than 100 staff and volunteers from a multitude of public gardens in the greater Washington area. This opportunity for networking and collaboration has become as important as the actual training itself. The programs provide a forum for individuals to discuss new techniques, opportunities and trends in the horticultural world.

The Enid A. Haupt Garden, Spring 2009. (Photo by Ken Rahaim)

In-Service Training supports the Smithsonian’s mission concerning the increase and diffusion of knowledge at the same time it ensures that all of us continue to work more efficiently, safely and prudently in a field where new science and technology constantly changes the landscape. In a world where green spaces are becoming harder to find and overdevelopment threatens the environment, public gardens and gardening in general have never been so important to our collective well-being.

For anyone interested in learning more about the fascinating world of plants and how we can each make a difference through gardening and environmental stewardship, the Horticulture Services Division invites you to attend one or more of the 2010 In-Service Training sessions. Diverse topics ranging from plant exploration and conservation to integrated pest management will be featured. Who knows, you may find yourself volunteering or otherwise getting involved as HSD continues to enrich the Smithsonian experience through exceptional gardens, horticultural exhibits, collections and education. Click the link for a complete schedule of In-Service Training opportunities. 2010-winter-in-service-training