Botany and Horticulture
The Botany and Horticulture program is a two-year Career and Technical Education (CTE) program that prepares students for careers and postsecondary education in Michigan’s agriculture, horticulture, greenhouse, landscaping, nursery, and environmental industries. Through classroom instruction and hands-on learning experiences, students develop the scientific knowledge, technical skills, and workplace competencies needed to succeed in the growing field of plant science.
During this two-year program, students receive instruction in:
Plant science and botany
Plant identification and taxonomy
Soil science and plant nutrition
Greenhouse production and management
Floriculture and ornamental horticulture
Nursery operations and plant propagation
Landscape design, installation, and maintenance
Turfgrass management
Integrated pest management (IPM)
Irrigation systems and water conservation
Sustainable horticultural and environmental practices
Safe operation of horticultural tools, equipment, and machinery
Leadership development, communication, teamwork, and employability skills
Instruction is delivered through a combination of classroom learning and hands-on laboratory experiences in greenhouses, gardens, landscape projects, and outdoor learning environments. Students apply scientific principles while gaining practical experience in plant propagation, greenhouse production, landscape installation, plant care, irrigation, pest management, and equipment operation.
The program emphasizes career readiness and provides opportunities for students to earn industry-recognized credentials while preparing for employment or continued education in horticulture, greenhouse management, landscaping, nursery production, arboriculture, environmental science, agriculture, and natural resources. Students are encouraged to participate in Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs), such as the National FFA Organization, to develop leadership, teamwork, and career skills.
Work-Based Learning
Eligible students may participate in Work-Based Learning (WBL) experiences with local greenhouses, nurseries, landscape contractors, golf courses, municipal parks departments, conservation organizations, garden centers, and agricultural businesses. These supervised experiences enable students to apply classroom knowledge in professional settings while building technical skills, workplace readiness, and valuable industry connections.
Upon successful completion of the program, students will be well prepared for entry-level employment, registered apprenticeships, or postsecondary education in horticulture, agriculture, environmental science, greenhouse management, landscape architecture, urban forestry, and related fields.
Instructor: Laurel Wiinikka-Buesser lbuesser4@ycschools.us
