Founded in 1906 by industrialist, conservationist, designer, engineer and philanthropist Pierre S. du Pont, Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania brings joy and inspiration to everyone through the beauty of nature, conservation and learning. Located just 30 miles from Philadelphia, our gardens span more than 1,100 acres and showcase vibrant horticultural design, intricate fountains, architectural grandeur and natural beauty for guests to enjoy.
Not only is Longwood a place of beauty – it’s also a place of learning and professional growth. Among our many education offerings is the renowned Longwood Fellows Program, a unique leader-development programme that focuses on refining the skill level and heightening the self-awareness of leaders within public horticulture. This tuition-free, 13-month course welcomes professionals from around the globe to learn from and work directly with both regional and international thought leaders. Our Fellows live and work alongside their cohort on the grounds of our gardens, making this opportunity immersive and rich in professional networking and growth opportunities.
“Since 1967, thousands of students from all over the world have participated in our education programmes and have gone on to leadership roles in many of the world’s top horticultural institutions. The Fellows Programme carries with it the legacy of its beginnings, with a consciousness of the fast-growing demands on leaders in our industry.”
Longwood Gardens President and CEO, Paul B. Redman
Designed to create the next generation of senior public horticulture professionals, roughly a quarter of the programme’s focus is on text- and case-based discussions, with another quarter spent on learning from local and global public horticulture leaders.
The remaining half is dedicated to pragmatic experiences gained via departmental immersion, a collective cohort project, and a two-month field placement at a garden in the US or abroad to study the structure, culture and leadership tactics of their host organisation. Past Fellows have travelled to China, Singapore, the United Kingdom, France, and across the US to see and experience different perspectives in the art of horticulture and to work with seasoned experts.
The programme’s focus on building leadership capacity in public horticulture is as unique as it is celebrated. After completion, Fellows apply their newly refined leadership skills to advance organisations around the world. Graduates have gone on to become executive directors/CEOs; directors of conservation, horticulture, education and public programmes; horticulturists; gardeners; and much more at some of the most influential public gardens or environmentally-focused organisations around the world. Alumni also join the prestigious Society of Fellows, a close-knit, yet global, community of alumni who support the continued development of leaders in the field.
Through it all, the aim of the Fellows Program is to create the next generation of senior public horticulture professionals – and we’re looking for professionals to serve as our 2024–2025 Fellows cohort. Applications for the cohort are now open through to 31 July, 2023, and nominations are accepted year-round. Those interested in applying to the programme, or submitting a nomination, can do so, as well as find out more information about the programme, at longwoodgardens.org/fellows.
Our Longwood Fellows are inspiring individuals who bring expertise to our global community and enrich the public horticulture field. We are proud to offer this programme – and we can’t wait to welcome our new cohort and see what our Fellows do next.
