Experiential learning blooms in USask landscape design course – News

This experience mirrors what often happens in real life, according to Hughes.

“This is a common experience in landscape design, as thing rarely go perfectly to plan,” said Hughes. “This experience highlighted the importance of adaptability and problem-solving in real-world scenarios.”

The idea for AgBio students to participate in Gardenscape originally came from Jackie Bantle and Gloria Gingera in the Department of Plant Sciences in AgBio. Bantle, greenhouse and horticulture facility manager, and Gingera, a communications assistant, are members of the Gardenscape Board. Hughes developed the concept of the student project with Bantle and Gingera.

Funding for students to purchase plants was provided by AgBio and the Department of Plant Sciences. Once Gardenscape was over, some plants were auctioned off through Prairieland Park (where Gardenscape is held) and via a plant sale held in the Agriculture Atrium on campus. The funds raised go on to support the student landscape design project in future years.

“Providing students with a platform such as Gardenscape to showcase their work is a way to communicate the excitement for the future of the horticulture industry to the broader public,” said Hughes.

“The field of horticulture is incredibly diverse, and this diversity translates into a wide range of career opportunities,” said Hughes. “The Horticulture Science major at USask is designed to support this diversity and provide flexibility within the degree, allowing students to tailor their studies to their interests.”

Two years into a different degree program at USask, Bedard transferred into AgBio and the Horticulture Science major.

“I was looking for a career that was more immersive and connected to the environment, allowing me to work closely with nature while making a positive impact,” said Bedard. “My love for plants, sustainability, and helping others made the transition easy. Horticulture has shown me how much you can love what you’re doing, all while making it a career.”

“We have a vibrant and growing horticulture sector here in Saskatchewan, much of which is due to the support of our local communities,” said Hughes. “I firmly believe that the horticulture industry is poised for significant growth, driven by renewed interest in domestic food production and sustainable food systems.”

Watch a virtual walk-through of the Campus to Creation student garden.