How STLCC’s Horticulture Program Plants the Seeds for Success

May 12, 2025

Posted by School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math in Programs and Pathways

STLCC horticulture students in the greenhouse

Sometimes life gives you lemons. Or, maybe just one, single lemon.

“When I was 23, I was given a lemon tree at my first house,” Sarah Moore said. “It only produced one lemon, but I was hooked. I had to figure out where I could make plants a part of my daily job – I didn’t even know what horticulture was.”

Then, she found the horticulture program at St. Louis Community College at Meramec – “And that just kind of set me off into my career.” Since that time, Moore earned an associate of applied science in horticulture and currently teaches horticulture courses at STLCC-Meramec. In addition, she’s also on the horticulture program advisory committee, which is made up of local experts in all facets of the green industry.

Horticulture is the art and science of plants. But it’s so much more. Those who go into the field of horticulture have a wide variety of options, including landscaping, gardening, stormwater management, cannabis/hemp production, research, parks/recreation, turf management, nursery/greenhouse management, and more. The green industry is as wide as an open prairie and as deep as a rain forest. The options are broad for those who don’t mind getting their hands dirty—literally.

For those who are considering digging into an education or career in horticulture or the green industry, STLCC is the perfect place to start. Along with an associate of applied science degree in horticulture, the College also offers certificates of proficiency in horticulture and in cannabis and hemp production. Additionally, there are numerous continuing education courses offered to students interested in learning more about nature, gardening, horticulture and ecology.

STLCC's Associate Degree in Horticulture: A Reputation for Career-Ready Training

“I originally came to Meramec as part of a dual enrollment program with my high school and was immediately intrigued by the horticulture program,” said James Bruns, who is now an STLCC horticulture student.

Jerry Pence, the horticulture program coordinator and an assistant professor, insists the strong reputation bestowed upon the STLCC horticulture program is the real deal.

“It’s not a myth, it’s reality,” Pence said. “We are the largest horticulture program in Missouri and have more students than most, if not all, four-year programs across the country. We have great connections with the green industry and bring local experts in to speak to students, teach as adjuncts, and give us tours for various field trips.”

Being the biggest doesn’t necessarily make it the best. But with its size, the program at STLCC offers students advantages that they might not find at other schools. One highlight of the program is the garden classroom on our Meramec campus that covers more than 10 acres, with scenic trails lined by perennial plants and dedicated pollinator, and wildlife habitats.

“It’s huge for our students because having a working, outdoor garden classroom that’s treated as a lab, students are able to really do the things that they’re learning in lecture in real time,” Moore said.

“In this living laboratory, students engage in hands-on learning that bridges classroom theory with real-world practice,” said Assistant Professor Marcela Mora.

Bruns said he sees how the professors take full advantage of the resources on campus. For example, using the display beds for identification and landscaping classes, or the greenhouse for labs and propagation.

But plant life isn’t the only thing growing when it comes to the STLCC horticulture program. As part of the initiative, the program will be getting a brand new, state-of-the-art greenhouse, ready for use by fall 2025. Among other things, the greenhouse is used for the early stages of growing plants. “From seed to sale” is a phrase used there, as the campus horticulture program typically hosts a plant sale for the public every spring, with everything grown on site.

Additionally, the STLCC-Meramec campus is home to more than 1,000 trees and has earned the distinction as a Tree Campus by the Arbor Day Foundation.

Hands-on Experience Cultivates STEM Majors into Horticulture Industry Leaders

“Sometimes when people think about going to a community college, they treat it as just the start of their education before they go somewhere else,” Moore said.

But she insists the horticulture curriculum at STLCC is just as valuable (or more so) than at any four-year university. “I would challenge any bachelor’s degree program in horticulture up against our associate program because of the knowledge that is provided to the students. It’s affordable for students and you’re not going to sacrifice the quality of learning that you get.”

The aspect that truly sets STLCC apart from other horticulture programs is the chance for students to experience hands-on learning. The foundational information taught in lectures is driven home by being able to walk right out the door and apply the lessons in real life.

“We really pride ourselves on the hands-on learning portion of it,” Moore said. “Some of the other degrees that might be offered either in the state or in the surrounding states don’t compare.”

“Most of the classes I’ve taken have included a hands-on element and you couldn’t ask for a better campus for experiential learning,” Bruns said. “I’ve really appreciated being able to practice with equipment I wouldn’t have access to outside of this program.

“We provide great hands-on applicable skills in our classes that you can get a foundational knowledge of plants, even if you just want to know a little bit more about, say, Missouri trees or wildflowers, you can get just the basics if that’s what you’re looking for,” Moore said. No matter what level of education you seek, there will be hands-on learning along the way.

Even though STLCC boasts great facilities on site, everyone appreciates a good field trip, now and then. And STLCC horticulture students get more than their fair share of them to learn from industry experts in the St. Louis region and experience hands-on learning at other sites.

But the field trips serve another purpose, as well.

Connecting Students with Industry Professionals

“We are consistently introducing our students to their future peers,” Pence said.

“It’s a thriving industry with abundant job opportunities and great potential for entrepreneurship,” Mora said. “Many graduates have gone on to establish successful businesses; and many professionals in the green industry actively seek our alumni.

The horticulture community in St. Louis is a close group, and the Venn diagram of industry professionals and educators often intersect. As such, many professionals, business owners and experts in the region also teach classes at the College.

I have been surprised by how tight knit the horticulture industry in St. Louis is,” Bruns said. “Being in the program has been a great opportunity to make connections with professionals in the field, many of whom are graduates of the program themselves.”

“We have experience in the industries you may want to work in,” said Assistant Professor Ryan Schepers. “We have an incredibly dedicated faculty that want to see you succeed.”

Moore, who was an STLCC horticulture student before becoming a professor at the school, said one of the most special things for her now is when she can “help find that sparkle and connect students to their career paths.” Helping students make the connection she made a few years earlier makes it all worthwhile for her.

When asked what advice Bruns would give to prospective students who are on the fence about joining the horticulture program: “I’d advise them to talk to any of the professors about their interests and goals related to horticulture. In my experience, all of the staff as well as my fellow students have been incredibly helpful while figuring out my own path.”

“Green is the future,” Pence said.

Exploring What Students Can Do with a Horticulture Degree

The STLCC horticulture program is well-known and well-respected throughout the St. Louis area and across the state of Missouri. It aligns students with the employment they are looking for because it has great connections throughout the green industry.

“Our curriculum will give you an edge over others,” he said. “We will prepare you for employment no matter which sector you choose.”

Pence said if you don’t take his word for it, then talk to a current of former students about their experience.

“Being a student worker, as well as taking classes like landscape maintenance, have been great opportunities for real-world experience with tools and techniques used in the horticulture field,” Bruns said.

“I tell students that there are so many areas which horticulture degrees could be useful,” Schepers said. “You want to work in the park system? We can help. Want to work in research? Come take our greenhouse management class. Urban farming, conservation, biotechnology, landscape management, floriculture, so many other areas in which we can help you find a job.”

“We’re collaborating with other parts of STLCC to expand what we can offer to students. I’ll be teaching a biotech class that teaches students practical applications of plant biotech. Our hope is to give our students the skills to work at the several biotech companies here in St. Louis.”

“The Green industry is a friendly industry, and you will be with like-minded people, outside, every day,” Pence said. “If it is your passion, you will do well in this field.

Growing Beyond the Classroom: A Non-Traditional Student’s Horticulture Path

Lindsey Nissenbaum is a non-traditional student who takes horticulture classes when she can.

I am here to learn more about native plants and the business of horticulture,” she said.

A few years ago, she and her husband started a business, Gnomes for Natives, LLC. They design and install native gardens, primarily in residential areas.

“It’s an attainable and tangible way to improve our local ecosystem, and to spread enthusiasm for sustainability,” she said. “At this point, I am picking classes that seem most helpful to our mission, as I still have a ‘real’ job outside of our business.”

She anticipates pursuing a certificate as their business grows into a full-time occupation, eventually adding a native plant nursery and offering workshops on gardening and sustainability.

“Being a non-traditional student comes with an incredible amount of flexibility and autonomy,” she said. “You can choose the classes that interest and benefit you and build your schedule around your other obligations. The horticulture program has many classes designed for non-traditional students, with evening or once-weekly class sessions.”

Whether you’re a life-long just interested in a specific topic, looking to gain knowledge and connections for a second (or third) career path, or a student who knows what direction they want to take, the STLCC horticulture program offers a broad set of options.

“It’s fun to be in horticulture,” Pence said. “We work hard, but we have fun doing it. If you don’t want to sit behind a desk in your future employment, horticulture offers you the opportunity to explore different avenues to be outside.”

“I’ve seen so many success stories, one being my own, where I was able to take my passion and turn it into a career,” Moore said. “And I owe it to the horticulture program.”

Who knew a single lemon could lead to so much?