Placeholder department landing page banner

Urban Horticulture & Design

The Department of Urban Horticulture & Design has deep roots at Farmingdale State College, with a storied past dating back more than 100 years, when the institution opened its doors as an agricultural school.

The department blends traditional techniques with cutting-edge technology. There are three degree options for people who are passionate about soil and seed, blooming flowers, and creative landscapes. Growing strong roots in the green industry on Long Island begins here.

Green Connections

Over the years, the Department of Urban Horticulture & Design has developed a strong partnership with the local horticulture industry, since many local professionals complete their training at Farmingdale. Our students are strong candidates for scholarships, internships, and job positions. Links on the right-hand side of this page provide in-depth information about these wonderful opportunities. Students are also encouraged to visit the main office in Thompson Hall 202, to view listing opportunities.

Diverse Learning Environment 

Horticulture students learn their skills in the department's classrooms, studios, labs, and greenhouses. Perhaps most important is our "living" classroom, the renowned Robert F. Ench Teaching Gardens. Beyond its iron gates rest 5+ acres of theme gardens that are carefully designed, planted, maintained, and treasured by students as an integral component of their training, during the semester and as part of our Summer Garden Intern Program. Helping maintain the Gardens is also among the extracurricular activities completed by the student Horticulture Club.

Explore Our Gardens

The Gardens are also a source of inspiration and education for the campus and Long Island community. Please come and visit! To learn more about the Ench Teaching Garden's rich past and present extensive collections, visit our exclusive interactive database. The database is searchable and contains detailed information about the gardens, plant materials, structures, and continued research and documentation. Our interactive database offers anyone, regardless of time or season, the opportunity to enjoy a virtual tour. Like the Gardens, the database continues to evolve over time.


Dramatic gates to the horticulture gardens with tall green plants and colorful flowers in the distance.

Garden Photography

Wedding Photos at Farmingdale

Can you imagine your wedding photos set against a backdrop of beauty? The Teaching Gardens are a stunning location to capture the elegance of your special day.

All couples interested, MUST secure permission and an appointment before taking pictures. A nominal fee is charged. To reserve your date, please complete the Request for Professional Photography form.

Events

Name Date Time Location
Plant Sale 2024 5/7/24 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM The Rose Garden, Parking Lot #2
Plant Sale 2024 5/8/24 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM The Rose Garden, Parking Lot #2
Plant Sale 2024 5/9/24 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM The Rose Garden, Parking Lot #2

Urban horticulture & design Department

Thompson Hall, Room 202
934-420-2711
horticulture@farmingdale.edu
Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm

Email

Jonathan Lehrer
Chair

Email

Filomena Viti
Administrative Assistant Trainee 2

Last Modified 2/22/24