Congratulations to our 2009 horticulture interns!

L to R: Monica Pell, Tyler Johnson, Aaron Sedivy, Sharon Haan, Kate Watson, Jessica Wright

Each summer, the horticulture department hosts interns who are horticulture students from all over the country. During the ten weeks of their internship, these students become part of our horticulture family getting involved in all departmental activities learning the ins and outs of public horticulture. During the internship each student is assigned a staff mentor and a specific project. In addition to working on their specific projects, they also work in individual gardens, perform group projects, and attend special classes and fieldtrips. Our horticulture internship provides a well-rounded educational experience for horticulture students as they prepare for the next phase of their lives, transitioning from students to professional horticulturists.

The diverse intern projects included all aspects of public horticulture. Monica Pell, a horticulture student from Iowa State University worked with Senior Horticulturist Ebi Kondo in documenting growth characteristics of each of our character pines in the Japanese Garden and entering this information into our plant records database. Tyler Johnson, also from Iowa State University worked on a wildlife gardening project in the Birds and Bees Garden with Gardener, Sonya Anderson. He assisted in creating new interpretation panels for this garden. Aaron Sedivy from University of Nebraska was mentored by Horticulturist Mike Kintgen. Aaron’s project involved mapping plants in the Rock Alpine Garden. A recent graduate of Front Range Community College’s Horticulture Program, Sharon Haan worked with Cindy Newlander, Plant Records Manager, mapping all our new gardens. Kate Watson, also from Front Range Community College, continued data collection in our Green roof with Senior Horticulturist, Mark Fusco. Jessica Wright, horticulture student from University of Wisconsin, mentored by Senior Horticulturist Maria Bumgarner, worked on developing landscape plans for the common areas of the new Community Garden. In addition, I would also like to recognize Luke Tembrock, Research Department intern from Colorado State University, who was also part of many of our educational programs and activities.

Presenting certificates, Sarada Krishnan, Director of Horticulture and Brian Vogt, CEO

Finishing up their internship last week, our 2009 interns were some of the best. Students presented their projects and they were recognized for their hard work during a luncheon. Our best wishes to these students as they complete their studies and enter the professional world of horticulture, be it commercial, academic or public horticulture. Also, special thanks to our internship program coordinator, Horticulturist Ann Montague, who has spent countless hours coordinating projects and organizing various activities as well as to all our member host families who hosted some of the interns in their homes.