Ornamental Horticulture
Bob DelVecchio Ext 227
Vinnie Anton Ext 240
Nancy Knight Ext 320
New England Agricultural Teachers Conference
Students in Ornamental Horticulture develop a thorough understanding of plants and landscaping. Skills include the growing, designing and merchandising of decorative plants and cut flowers, the planting and maintenance of turf and landscape construction. Students can specialize in landscape operation, golf course maintenance, greenhouse culture, floral design, or agricultural mechanics. The program’s own Roots and Roses retail store exposes students to computerized sales and inventory software and gives them practical sales experience. The large greenhouse is equipped with automated watering, fertigation, a propogation mists system, and heating and venting systems. Students operate specialized turf and landscape power equipment as they assist in the care of the expansive campus and undertake projects in the community. VIDEO
Theory classes cover plant identification, insect identification and control, soils, plant propagation, and plant science. Assignments challenge students to draw upon language arts skills, mathematics and science. Tasks include measurement, estimation of materials, ordering of parts or plants, word processing for floriculture fliers and reviewing trade journal articles. Students use several industry related pieces of software for plant identification and landscape architecture. The program supports student involvement in The National Future Farmers of America Organization. Students can be elected to serve as officers in our FFA Chapter. Students have the opportunity to participate in many career development events over the school year. Some events which are designed to evaluate real world tasks are the turf and agricultural mechanics competitions which help the student understand career concepts. By being active in the FFA, students become better citizens and employees. Also, many guest speakers address the students during the winter months in areas such as golf course construction, floral design and water gardening. Students may earn the following certifications: OSHA, CPR, Mass Pesticides Applicators License (age 18) and Mass Hoisting License (age 18). The program has articulation agreements with Cape Cod Community College and the UMass Stockbridge School of Agriculture.