BYU I Horticulture Department wins big

REXBURG - Although Rexburg got hit with another snow storm today... In this green house its 72 degrees. And in this green house is where students learned so much about plants that they were able to beat out 59 other schools.

"It feels great, it just feels good to know you've accomplished something that over 800 other students were trying to accomplish in different events. To know that you came out on top, it's a great feeling," said Greg Galbraith, who took 1st place in paver installation.

"We prepared all semester for this... its just awesome feeling, to feel like a team, feel like we had something to work for. It was just an honor," said Catherine Zimmer, who took 1st place in cost assessment.

"The students came together, we gave them a challenge to be in the top 5," said Byron John, a horticulture professor at BYU-I.

But competing in 25 separate events, they actually took first, and received more than just a trophy and money.

John continues, "Today when the economy is down and seems like students are a little challenged to find jobs, in horticulture things are still good. Of our 16 students who attended, 12 of them received 1 or more job offers."

And in case you're wondering what these experts suggest growing in cold places like Eastern Idaho, this Vinca Vine can be planted even before the last frost date in June. But if you want something to bloom, go with a Moonbeam. Of course if you have a green house, you can grow things like this lung shaped flower, if you ever feel the need to present a lung shaped flower to someone you really like or really dislike. By the way, if you prefer gardening, you're not alone.

"This year in response to the economy vegetable gardening has increased by 20 percent over last year," said Dr. Reese Nelson who has a PHD in Horticulture Therapy.

And that's why the accomplishments of these students is so important.

BYU-Idaho also won first place in 2004 and 2007, making this the third time in five years they've beat out schools like Michigan State, Colorado State, and even BYU.

The Horticulture department plans on using the cash award of 5,000 dollars towards funding next year's trip in hopes of taking the national title yet again.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• BYU Idaho
• Rexburg
• Idaho
• Mormon
• LDS
• Horticulture
• steven pope