In its second year competing, the Monmouth County Career Center’s Vocational Horticulture program will enter the Philadelphia Flower Show in the tablescape category with a project titled “Garden State of Mind” through which students will create an exhibit to highlight the health properties of a New Jersey-grown garden meant for culinary entertaining.
Students in many classes from the Monmouth County Career Center, Freehold Township, worked together to create the display that will showcase the Garden State, according to a press release.
“Our county has so much talent and that is showcased by these Monmouth County vocational school students who will be representing us at the 2022 Philadelphia Flower Show. I am so incredibly proud of these students who will show the nation what being in the Garden State is all about,” said state Sen. Vin Gopal (D-Monmouth).
According to the press release, students from across Monmouth County worked on their entry “Garden State of Mind” from exhibit design to growing plant material in the school’s greenhouse.
The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s Philadelphia Flower Show will run from June 11-19.
The students’ entry to the Public Gardens Exhibit will transform a 10-foot x 10-foot space into a blooming garden meant for culinary entertaining using many rooted plants grown by them and led by teachers Jill Wetzel, greenhouse management, and Kristina Guttadora, floral design, according to the press release.
”We are proud of our floriculture program for being the only high school to compete in the
Philadelphia Flower Show and recognize New Jersey’s great agricultural industry,” said Charles R. Ford Jr., superintendent of schools in the Monmouth County Vocational School District. “This is a great example of how the school district engages its students in meaningful educational experiences.”
“I am so proud of the hard work and dedication of the horticulture program’s decision along with our many other classes to take on this event during such a challenging school year,” Monmouth County Career Center Principal Nathan Kraemer said. “This is such an amazing opportunity for our students to learn about the industry and build their career skills.”
The Monmouth County Career Center students created and designed the exhibit and grew plant material for their second consecutive entry representing Monmouth County Vocational FFA, a student agriculture organization that provides opportunities for premier leadership, personal growth and career success, according to the press release.
The school’s building trades class created a living pergola and the building services class
created an entertaining table with a flowing water feature. Students throughout the building helped in various ways to make the exhibit a success, according to the press release.
“We are excited to welcome back the Monmouth County Vocational School District as a competitive exhibition,” said Jenna Celius, manager of competitive classes, Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. “Jill and Kristina are deeply rooted in horticulture and display creativity and innovation in their work that teaches students to think about culture in their designs.”
