Farmingdale State College’s (FSC) Department of Urban Horticulture and Design has deep roots in the local community with a rich past stemming back almost 115 years. Then the New York State School of Agriculture on Long Island, a 1916 student handbook cultivated a variety of course options such as plant propagation, vegetable growing, floriculture and landscape gardens, beekeeping, and soil fertility. 

Today, the department blends traditional techniques with cutting-edge technology to offer multiple degree, certificate, and Microcredential options for students who are passionate about soil and seed, blooming flowers, and creative landscapes.  

“Horticulture at FSC is a meaningful reminder of the agricultural beginnings of the College and really the agricultural heritage of Long Island itself,” said Jonathan Lehrer, PhD, Department of Urban Horticulture and Design chair. “And one of the unique things about horticulture is while many folks consider it to be an old or historic discipline, there is still tremendous relevance to the contemporary Long Island environment and surrounding metro area. Our graduates have great economic potential and are equipped to handle current challenges like pollution, lack of green space, and the need for local food.” 

Students grow their skills across campus in the department's classrooms, studios, labs, greenhouses, and the renowned Robert F. Ench Teaching Gardens, which includes a carefully tended bee colony that produces more than 60 pounds of local honey annually. Bottled locally and sold around campus each fall; the popular sweet treat has been known to sell out in minutes.

Students' efforts culminate with the College’s highly anticipated plant sale. A three-day event held annually the first week of May, the plant sale offers a stunning mix of flowers, vegetables, herbs, tropical plants, succulents, perennials, and houseplants--including several rare heirloom varieties carefully tended and harvested on campus. Open to the public, the event receives frequent media attention and thousands of visitors from across Long Island. While much of the plant material is grown at the College by students and staff, hundreds of plants are donated by local businesses. All proceeds go directly to benefit the Urban Horticulture and Design Program and its students. 

“Students play a tremendous role in nearly every aspect of the plant sale,” said Lehrer. “From propagating and producing the plants, with many grown months in advance, to helping with the setup, working with customers, answering their questions, and reformatting the tables throughout the day. It’s a huge undertaking but the feedback we get from the students is universally, extremely positive.” 

“What I enjoy most about the plant sale is the energy and excitement it brings to campus,” said Adjunct Instructor Ariel Vikosm, FSC Class of 2020, a wholesale grower and greenhouse manager at Emma’s Garden in Huntington, New York. “The greenhouses are full, the plants are at their peak, and there’s a real sense of accomplishment in seeing everything students have been working on and learning on display. And seeing those finished products appreciated and purchased, it really comes full circle. More than anything, it’s incredibly rewarding to see students take pride in their work and to watch the community connect with and enjoy the plants we’ve grown.” 

For Vikosm, knowing that the special event will continue to support FSC’s students and famed teaching gardens for years to come is especially significant. “The plant sale helps preserve the College’s agricultural roots and keeps that history alive,” she added.  

For more information, please visit the Department of Urban Horticulture and Design webpage. 

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