WHAT IS HORTICULTURE?
Horticulture is the science, business and art of growing and marketing fruits, vegetables, flowers, and ornamental plants. It’s unique among plant sciences because it not only involves science and technology, but it also incorporates art and design principles.
Horticulture can be divided into two groups - edible plants (fruits, vegetables, nuts) and aesthetic plants [meaning those grown for their beauty]. Olericulture is the study of the production, storage, processing, and marketing of vegetables. The science and techniques associated with fruit production is called pomology. Floriculture is the cultivation and management of cut flowers, flowering plants, and foliage plants. Nursery Management is the propagation and production of young trees, shrubs, ground covers, vines, herbaceous perennials, and grasses for use in exterior landscapes. Landscape horticulture involves the design, construction and maintenance of landscapes for homes, businesses and public areas. Career opportunities in horticulture are plentiful and growing, particularly in the field of Ornamental Horticulture. The Horticulture program at SFA can prepare you for entrance into a wide array of positions in production, marketing, sales, design, installation and maintenance.