Consisting of several 10-minute presentations, this session is devoted exclusively to having the future leaders of public horticulture share their latest research findings. Through these undergraduate and graduate student presentations, current research pertaining to public horticulture will be shared and discussed. These student presentations provide a valuable opportunity for established professionals to learn new and exciting findings from their future peers.

Land Manager Perceptions: Using Hybrid and Genetically Modified Trees for Conservation of At-Risk Species     

With increasing pressure from climate change, invasive pests and diseases, and other global changes, a growing number of tree species are at risk of extinction. Hybrid and genetically modified trees are currently being developed to resist these stressors as alternatives to pure species. The use of these types of trees, particularly for conservation, is relatively new and not without controversy. Of particular importance is understanding the perceptions and concerns of a key group of public garden partners: land managers (professionals and/or volunteers involved with large-scale tree selection, sale/distribution, management, and/or planting). A survey of Indiana land managers was conducted to gauge their perceptions to the use of hybrid and genetically modified trees for conservation purposes.     

Presenter: Andrea Brennan, Purdue University 

Management Guidelines for Azalea Lace Bug on Rhododendron Species in Western Washington    

The invasive azalea lace bug, Stephanitis pyrioides (Scott), is one of the most serious insect pests of Rhododendron species, and especially azalea. Although introduced into the United States in 1915, its presence in Washington was not confirmed until 2008. Azalea lace bug causes significant decreases in plant vitality of Rhododendron species, reduces the aesthetic qualities of the plant, and in severe infestations can cause plant death. Past research on this insect has been largely conducted in the eastern United States, which has only limited applicability to the climate of Western Washington. Ryan will discuss how he measured azalea lace bug voltinism at the Washington Park Arboretum, and quantified the susceptibility of Rhododendron species in Western Washington.  

Presenter:  Ryan Garrison, University of Washington

Improving Transgender Inclusion in Public Gardens   

Transgender people are among the most vulnerable in this country, and many institutions have not considered the ways to support their transgender employees, visitors, and community members. In this presentation, Trey will share case studies of gardens and museums who have initiated trans-inclusive policies, resources developed in other fields, and experiences implementing policy and programming. This presentation will cover best practices for gardens to consider, strategies for developing LGBTQ+ programming, and ways to navigate barriers to implementing change.     

Presenter: Trey Ramsey, Cornell University

Visitor Perceptions and Expectations of Controversial Science Topics at Botanic Gardens      

Many botanic gardens have expanded their mission and programming from solely exhibiting plants to now addressing social and environmental issues. In addition to taking on a more civic-minded role in their communities, botanic gardens are also seeking to engage with more controversial topics such as climate change. Sarah's research aims to understand these perceptions and expectations regarding the controversial issues of climate change, pesticide use, and genetically modified organisms. She surveyed 155 visitors at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens on their perceptions of the role of botanic gardens in relation to these topics.    

Presenter: Sarah Callan, SUNY Oneonta

Native Perspective: A Toolkit for Elevating Native Plants in Public Gardens     

Native plants are important to the landscape. However, there is little clear information out there informing the public on native plant scientific benefits, uses in the landscape, and sourcing of plants. Through a literature review and interviews with public garden professionals, Jessica identified scientific studies that support native plant benefits. She will present these findings and explain why these studies are important sources of information for native plant communication. Her research will be complied into a digital toolkit for public gardens to reference when creating interpretive content for native plant collections.    

Presenter: Jessica Brey, Cornell University

Winter Vegetable Trial at Cornell Botanic Gardens    

How might winter vegetable production assist teachers in providing year-round harvest from their school garden that better aligns with the academic school year? Two simple, inexpensive methods for growing cold-hardy vegetables in winter are cold frames and hotbeds. Cold frames rely on the greenhouse effect of glass or plastic to warm crops by day, while hotbeds go one step further. Buried horse manure below the vegetable bed warms the soil through heat emitted during the composting process. Kim's project includes two test sites, one at the Cornell Botanic Gardens and one at DeWitt Middle School.  An outreach and networking event will conclude the project in order to share findings with local teachers and extension coordinators.    

Presenter: Kimberly Ellis, Cornell University