Open House and HortiCULTURE Exchange
Join us for a weekend of celebration, connection and inspiration!
About the HortiCULTURE Exchange
St. Louis Community College’s horticulture program, based at the Meramec campus, is among the most respected in the country and the largest in Missouri. It serves as a launching pad for students entering the green industry, with a 10-acre garden classroom, brand-new greenhouses, and state-of-the-art labs, opening in fall 2025.
But perhaps the program’s greatest strength is its community. STLCC maintains a strong, two-way connection with the local green industry — preparing students for in-demand careers while inviting experts into classrooms and gardens. The program also connects the College with the wider community, offering a space for learning and appreciation for what grows around us.
The HortiCULTURE Exchange celebrates what happens when STLCC, green industry professionals, community members, and students join forces. This annual Meramec event creates a welcoming place where everyone can share their knowledge, discover new ideas, connect with like-minded people, and help the garden classroom flourish.
Open House and Self-guided Tours
Friday, Oct. 10
4-7:30 p.m.
We invite students, alumni, industry professionals and the community to explore our newly transformed spaces — including state-of-the-art labs and greenhouses. These new learning spaces are part of the College’s STLCC Transformed initiative to modernize facilities and programming to improve the overall student experience and meet workforce demands in Missouri.
Enjoy self-guided tours, meet our instructors and staff, and mingle with friends, peers and guests over light refreshments.
HortiCULTURE Exchange 2025: Transforming Community
Saturday, Oct. 11
8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Featured speakers Doug Tallamy and Austin Eischeid will offer fresh insights into the evolving world of horticulture. Additionally, attendees will have the opportunity to exchange ideas and interact with others who are passionate about plants and sustainable landscapes. A continental breakfast will be provided as participants enjoy a morning of inspiration, connection and green innovation.
Keynote Speaker - Doug Tallamy
Keynoting the event will be Doug Tallamy, renowned entomologist, ecologist, and bestselling author. Tallamy is the T. A. Baker Professor of Agriculture in the Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware, where he has authored 115 research publications and has taught insect related courses for 45 years.
Chief among his research goals is to better understand the many ways insects interact with plants and how such interactions determine the diversity of animal communities. His books include “Bringing Nature Home,” “The Living Landscape,” co-authored with Rick Darke, “Nature's Best Hope,” a New York Times Best Seller, “The Nature of Oaks,” winner of the American Horticultural Society’s 2022 book award, and his latest book “How Can I Help?” In 2021, he cofounded Homegrown National Park with Michelle Alfandari.
His awards include recognition from The Garden Writer’s Association, Audubon, The National Wildlife Federation, Allegheny College, Ecoforesters, The Garden Club of America, The Herb Society, and The American Horticultural Association.
Featured Speaker - Austin Eischeid
Independent garden design consultant based in Chicago, Austin Eischeid is an Iowa native with a bachelor's degree in Horticulture from Iowa State University. He specializes in designing dynamic naturalistic plantings using strong perennials and grasses with all season interest. He works on projects from residential to large-scale public space throughout the United States and beyond.
He has travelled extensively, including Germany, England and domestically, to seek out the best in horticulture and hone in on his plant knowledge and planting design skills. He works alongside mentors and colleagues Piet Oudolf and Roy Diblik on a number of projects to gain practical knowledge on dynamic planting plan designs and layouts.
Sponsor the HortiCULTURE Exchange and Donate to the Garden Classroom
As our horticulture program grows with new labs and greenhouses, we’re equally committed to revitalizing the Garden Classroom: an innovative outdoor learning space where students and the community engage with plants, sustainable practices and the restorative power of nature.
With your support, we can reimagine the vital, outdoor, space to reflect the same spirit of innovation and excellence found in our new buildings and learning environments—empowering students, strengthening industry and enriching our community.