News Published: 26 July 2024

Applications will close July 31 for the Longwood Gardens Fellows Program, a 13-month residential learning experience focused on building the leadership skills of high-potential public horticulture professionals. Interested individuals should visit longwoodgardens.org/fellows-program for program and application information. The next cohort will begin the program in June 2025.

The program is open to global professionals who hold a bachelor’s degree and possess a strong desire to lead in a public horticulture environment. Masters and doctoral candidates and those who are transitioning between careers are welcome to apply.

Public horticulture leaders are encouraged to nominate individuals who have a commitment to professional excellence, have a deep intellectual curiosity, and have an interest in representing diverse perspectives and backgrounds for admission to the Program. Nominations should be submitted via the online application form at https://longwoodgardens.org/longwood-fellows-nomination.

During the fully funded, cohort-based residency at Longwood, Fellows delve into issues relevant to public horticulture such as leadership, board relations and governance, communication skills, change management, innovation, and HR/talent management. A two-month domestic or international field placement provides a deeper understanding of these issues, equipping Fellows to lead organizations into a vibrant and sustainable future. Alumni of the Fellows Program join the prestigious Society of Fellows, a global network of public garden professionals.

A previously recorded online informational session is available to watch on YouTube. Hosted by current and past Fellows, the session provides prospective students with insight into the program and application process.

About Longwood Gardens

Longwood Gardens is one of the great gardens of the world, encompassing 1,100 acres of gardens, woodlands, meadows, fountains, a 10,010-pipe Aeolian organ, and grand Conservatory. Longwood continues the mission set forth by founder Pierre S. du Pont to bring joy and inspiration to all through the beauty of nature, conservation and learning. As part of its commitment to conservation, in 2024 Longwood acquired the 505-acre Longwood at Granogue, a cultural landscape in nearby Wilmington, Delaware. Longwood’s foremost influence on American horticulture has been through its education programs, in keeping with Mr. du Pont’s desire to establish “a school where students and others may receive instruction in the arts of horticulture and floriculture.” Since 1958, thousands of students from all over the world have participated in one or more of Longwood’s intensive programs, ranging from School & Youth Programs which educates 45,000 students both online and in person each year, to the two-year Professional Gardener Program to the Fellows Program. Graduates have gone on to leadership roles in many of the country’s top horticultural institutions.