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Our CEO, Corrine, recently attended the Seed Your Future Leadership Meeting at the stunning Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. As a dedicated board member, Corrine joined fellow industry leaders, educators, and university partners for three days of collaboration, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes experiences. In the blog below, she shares her personal reflections on the event, from thought-provoking conversations about building the next generation of horticulture professionals to memorable moments exploring Longwood’s world-class facilities:
This September, I had the honor of attending the Seed Your Future Leadership Meeting at the beautiful Longwood Gardens. Over the course of three days, I was reminded again and again why our industry is so important—and why investing in the next generation matters so much.
The heart of the meeting centered on how Seed Your Future is making an impact with students—K–12, high school, and college—by helping them see the exciting career opportunities in horticulture and floriculture. The conversations were lively, engaging, and focused on how we can continue to strengthen the pipeline from interest to enrollment.We were particularly fond of exploring new ideas that bring parents into the conversation. Parents are such an important part of helping students understand the possibilities of a career, and we know that their encouragement and support can make all the difference. Another exciting idea that surfaced was finding ways to partner with celebrity voices to help champion these careers and shine a bigger spotlight on our industry.Behind the Scenes at Longwood
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One of the highlights for all of us was the exclusive behind-the-scenes tours at Longwood Gardens. From labs to grow houses to greenhouses, we got a rare look at the innovation and care that goes into running such a world-class garden. Meeting the leadership team gave me a new perspective on how much vision and collaboration it takes to create experiences that inspire millions of visitors every year.Networking With Leaders in Education-1.png?width=800&height=500&name=final%20(2)-1.png)
I felt especially lucky to sit alongside department chairs and faculty from some of the top universities in the country—including Penn State, University of Georgia, Michigan State, Iowa State, University of Florida, NC State, and University of Arkansas. To have the chance to connect, exchange ideas, and talk about ways we can work together to support students was something I won’t forget. Having a seat at this table is something I treasure.Another highlight was sharing lunch and a discussion panel with the interns currently working at Longwood Gardens. Hearing directly from these bright students about their journeys was refreshing and inspiring. A common thread emerged: many of them first fell in love with gardening because of their grandparents’ influence. That was something we all found especially lovely—proof that the seeds of passion are often planted at home, through family connections.Moments That Stood Out
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Industry leaders like Anna Ball from Ball Horticultural brought so much passion to the event. Her presence throughout the tours and her keynote speech at the VIP dinner were inspiring. That dinner was also special for me personally, as I had the honor of sitting next to Paul Redman, CEO & President of Longwood Gardens. His perspective on leadership and his dedication to advancing our industry made the evening even more meaningful.
Looking Ahead
Seed Your Future is more than an initiative—it’s a movement. This meeting was a reminder that together, we can open doors for students, spark curiosity, and create real pathways to careers that matter. I left Longwood with a sense of excitement for what’s ahead and gratitude for the people working side by side to make it happen. I’m reminded that the work Seed Your Future is doing matters more than ever—but it’s not something we can do alone.Each of us has the power to inspire the next generation, whether by sharing our own love of plants, encouraging a student to explore a career in horticulture, or supporting the programs that make this movement possible. I encourage you to get involved, spread the word, and help us grow the future together. Visit the Seed Your Future website to learn more and find the resources you need to take the first step in supporting this important mission.