Episode 162: Cultivating Connections with the Next Generation
Produced by Fine Gardening, Edited by Nate Gruca
Jared Barnes, an esteemed horticulture professor at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas, is a true plant enthusiast. Embracing his passion for flora, Jared and his dedicated students have transformed the grounds into The Plantery, a captivating botanic garden brimming with native plant varieties. Beyond the confines of academia, Jared extends his green thumb wisdom through a gardening newsletter and his engaging podcast, The Plantastic Podcast, while also contributing valuable insights to Fine Gardening. Recent discussions included plant resilience tactics, the nuances of sunlight exposure in gardens, and the art of plant propagation. Join us as we delve into Jared's journey as a horticulture educator and his endeavor to cultivate a thriving community united by their love for plants.
Cultivating a Botanic Haven
Hailing from the verdant landscapes of northwestern Tennessee, Jared's fascination with plants and gardening took root early on. However, his teaching tenure faced a daunting challenge when a devastating flood wreaked havoc on their vegetable garden along La Naña Creek. Undeterred, Jared and his resilient students salvaged what they could before nature's wrath submerged their labor of love under three feet of water. Rising from the setbacks, a revitalized garden now thrives on higher terrain, serving as a vibrant campus focal point where bountiful crops flourish in proximity to educational facilities.
Nurturing Growth and Innovation
In a bid to enrich The Plantery's landscape, Jared and his students unveiled a mesmerizing gravel garden in 2021, offering a unique blend of textures and aesthetics to the botanical sanctuary. Events like the Spring Plant Fair not only provide students with a platform to showcase and vend their botanical creations but also foster meaningful connections within the university community. From the captivating lights illuminating the SFA glasshouse to the charming willow fence enclosing a bed of tall verbena, each element within The Plantery exudes a harmonious balance of beauty and functionality.
Empowering Future Horticulturists
For aspiring horticulture enthusiasts eager to embark on a green career path, Jared advocates exploring seedyourfuture.org for invaluable insights on job prospects, scholarships, and internships within the dynamic green industry. Moreover, Jared's Plantastic Podcast offers a treasure trove of informative episodes that have captivated audiences, shedding light on the captivating world of plants.
Embark on a botanical journey with Jared Barnes as he continues to sow the seeds of knowledge and community through his botanical oasis, inspiring generations of plant enthusiasts to cultivate their love for nature. Photos: courtesy of Jared Barnes/ Meristem Horticulture