Horticulture Club promotes student growth

For the Horticulture Club at East Campus, growth is about more than plants.

smiling students on a hayrack ride
Activities for the Horticulture Club at East Campus include field trips.

The club promotes the profession of horticulture and fellowship, and furthers the interests of horticulture by uniting those with a common interest in the field.

The Horticulture Club provides students with opportunities to participate in horticultural activities, competitions and social activities, and to develop horticulture contacts.

Member Hannah Niehaus, a BHC sophomore, joined because she wanted to get involved and increase her horticulture experience. She encourages other students to join clubs.

“You are able to gain experiences, meet people, get to know some faculty better, and to be able to have some fun while joining a club that can teach you more about what you love,” Niehaus said.

Chloe Gustafson, the president of the Horticulture Club and a BHC sophomore, said the club is a great way to take a break from schoolwork. Members participate in plant sales, academic trips and other activities.

student holding a vase of tulips next to a Tulips for Sale sign
The Horticulture Club at East Campus holds plant and flower sales to fund club activities.

“I would encourage students to join because it allows students to stay connected to horticulture but to also have fun,” Gustafson said.

Horticulture Club plant and flower sales held throughout the school year help fund field trips and activities.

During the Fall 2019 semester, the club sold mum arrangements, toured Tanners Orchard and held a pumpkin-carving contest.

A few members also taught Kewanee High School students how to make wreaths during a horticulture class. That was Gustafson and Niehaus’ favorite activity.

Members are looking forward to their annual Valentine’s Day flower sale, other plant sales, and a trip to Lincoln Park Zoo and Conservatory this semester.

Students wanting to join the Horticulture Club can get involved by contacting the club advisor, Taylor Wilkinson. Email wilkinsont@bhc.edu or call 309-854-1702.