What Does a PhD in Horticulture Require?
At Rich-Way Landscape, we are proud to be one of Memphis’ only landscape service companies to have someone with a PhD in Horticulture on staff. We also have many employees who have earned the title Certified Landscape Professional by the Associated Landscape Contractors of America, now known as PLANET. We are very proud of every member of our staff. However, on occasion, we have had clients curious to understand how our horticulturist helps with our design process. Our horticulturist’s knowledge combined with our landscape professional’s knowledge has been of great use to us as we design some of the most beautiful landscapes in the city, even winning awards for our designs. Yet, for those interested, here is more information on what our horticulturist does for the team.
What is Horticulture?
For those laymen that love to work in the garden but have never taken the time to study what goes into horticulture, this is for you. Horticulture is the branch of plant agriculture dealing with garden crops, generally fruits and vegetables, and ornamental plants. As a general term, horticulture covers all forms of garden management. Some horticulturists focus on the sustainability of plants for food, while others focus on plants for ornament. For example, a landscape architect and a horticulturist could work closely to design beautiful parks and gardens.
What Does it Mean to Have a PhD in Horticulture?
According to Oregon State University, a PhD in Horticulture is granted for proven ability in the research of horticulture. Through successful participation in a doctoral degree in horticulture, students will gain an advanced understanding of horticulture and the interaction with related disciplines and conduct original research that advances the field of horticulture. Their course load is rigorous, and it can take many years to achieve a PhD in horticulture.
What Careers Could Horticulturists Achieve?
Many horticulturists that focus on ornamental plants can use their skills to design functional and attractive public parks, gardens, residential areas, college campuses, hospital grounds, and many other public or private spaces. Their skills also help them when new buildings are being constructed since they understand drainage issues and storm-water retention well. Also, they often understand what permits and codes need to be followed.
Why Do We Have a Horticulturist on Staff at Rich-Way Landscape?
At Rich-Way Landscape, we are committed to making every client thrilled with their new landscape. Horticulturists excel at design and know precisely where to plant trees, shrubs, and foliage, so they look fantastic and continue to grow and mature beautifully. For this reason, we have become one of Tennessee’s premier residential landscape design, build, and maintenance firms in Tennessee. We have proudly served Memphis, Germantown, and Collierville for nearly twenty years. During this time, we have increased our services, primarily because we have a knowledgeable staff that can handle even the most complicated issues. As a result, our services now include the following:
- Landscape Installation
- Hardscape Elements
- Water Features
- Landscape Drainage
- Landscape Irrigation
- Landscape Night Lighting
- Installation of Custom Pools
Of course, we urge you to protect your landscape investment with a maintenance program. We know that caring for your landscape is critical to increasing your investment. Therefore, we also offer maintenance plans that include the following:
- Fertilization
- Pruning
- Mowing
- Weeding
- Mulching
- Edging
- Leaf Removal
- Balanced Treatment Programs
- Regular In-Depth Inspections
When you need landscape design, custom in-ground pool design and installation, and ongoing horticultural maintenance, our Rich-Way professionals will ensure that your project progresses smoothly, adding value to your home and enhancing your lifestyle. If you are not yet a client, please contact us today at (901) 853-9590 to schedule a complimentary consultation.