Horticultural Technicians

Planting and cultivating gardens is an ancient art form. The famed hanging gardens of Babylon, the formal gardens of Athens, and the terraces and geometric gardens of Italy are early examples of this art. Historically, different countries were renowned for the different types of gardens they cultivated. For instance, Holland distinguished itself by growing dozens of varieties of tulips, and France was known for its fantastic royal gardens. In the 18th century, gardens became more informal and natural, typified by the plantings around George Washington's home, Mount Vernon. In the United States, the first large landscaped area was New York City's Central Park, created in the 1850s. While parks and gardens are not as common in the United States as in other countries, a growing enthusiasm is creating a new demand for trained horticultural technicians.