The Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania

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Internship Positions - Rose Garden

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Description

The Rose and Flower Garden Intern assists the Rosarian in garden development, management, and care of the collections. Specialty gardens include: formal rose garden with rock wall, cottage, hardy fern, herb, hosta, and meadow gardens, mixed border, and crabapple orchard. The intern has the opportunity to refine horticulture skills including techniques in formal garden maintenance. Upon completion, the Rose and Flower Garden Intern will have mastered the skills utilized in the culture of modern and antique roses and their garden companions. This position is supported by Charles S. Holman.

Duties and Responsibilities

Rose care including pruning, deadheading, and fertilizing roses
Plant and fertilize annuals, perennials, shrubs, and trees
Assist in propagation by divisions, cuttings, and seeds
Prune and care for shrubs and trees
Transplant trees using the ball and burlap method
Spraying as part of the Arboretum's IPM program
Identify and remove weeds from existing beds
Learn proper techniques for mulching, mowing, edging, string trimming, and turf care
Take part in watering plants and containers on a daily basis, as well as on a rotating weekend schedule
Learn to ID plants in section, how to care for them, and stories about their collection, etc.
Become proficient in the use of the golf cart, lawnmower, weed eater, leaf blower, turf aerator, drill seeder, rototiller, snow blower, sprayer, and front-end loader
Help out with seasonal activities, such as assembling holiday wreaths
Assist with supervision of seasonal staff and volunteers.
Participate in the Horticulture Department's project days once a month
Help with snow removal
Complete an independent study project under the direction of your supervisor
Work at two weekend Arboretum events - Fall Festival and Plant Sale
Work one afternoon in the Arboretum's Plant Clinic per week
Participate in intern activities and field trips as scheduled
Learn to follow proper safety practices
Perform additional duties as requested

Professional Development

Qualifications/Requirements

Work Environment

The Rose and Flower Garden Intern spends about 4 days a week working outdoors in the rose garden section. This provides a great opportunity for hands-on training in an array of specialty gardens. In addition, the intern experiences what is involved in managing a public garden through the course of a full year.

Past Project Topics