FRIENDS OF THE MOUNTS BOTANICAL GARDEN HORTICULTURE SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION FORM TO PALM BEACH COMMUNITY COLLEGE

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ACADEMIC YEAR 2004-2005

APPLICATION DEADLINE: MAY 1, 2004

MOUNTS BOTANICAL GARDEN 559 NORTH MILITARY TRAIL WEST PALM BEACH, FL 33415 (561) 233-1757

Submit application to: Dr. George Rogers, Ph.D Department Chair, Environmental Horticulture Program Palm Beach Community College 3160 PGA Blvd. Mail Stop 45 Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410

Mounts Mission Statement: To promote gardens and gardening unique to a subtropical environment. To exhibit, evaluate, and recommend plant material suitable for home, commercial and public landscapes. To offer opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to learn more about the science, techniques and joys of successful gardening.

Mounts Vision: Mounts Botanical Garden will become the leading authority on gardens and gardening in Southeast Florida. By establishing the finest programs, gardens, collections and events, we will inspire, teach and promote the value of gardening in our everyday lives. We will provide answers and solutions that will allow our audiences to improve their quality of life by appreciating and enhancing the environment in which they live. Through building of a master site plan, we will embrace and deliver the important message of the significant relationship of earth, plants, and man. Mounts Botanical Garden will maintain this property and facilities to the highest standards. Visitors will have an extraordinary experience and our members and citizens will have the greatest pride in our presence.

History: Mounts Botanical Garden was named in honor of Marvin “Red” Mounts who served Palm Beach County, the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agriculture Services Extension and county farmers for 40 years. Initially, the 3 ˝ acre property was used to pasture 4-H horses. The Mounts building immediately east of the Garden was built in 1954, and soon after its completion, planting was begun. The initial drive was to plant tropical fruit trees in order to learn how best to raise them in South Florida and to produce new food resources which could help families overcome vitamin deficiency. By 1964, there were 69 fruit producing trees. Years later, an effort led by Clayton Hutcheson, Palm Beach County Extension’s third director, and supported by numerous horticultural groups including the Rare Fruit Council International, two Orchid Societies, the Herb Society of Palm Beach County, the Fern Society, Begonia Society, Rose Society and Hibiscus Society, resulted in the establishment of the Mounts Horticultural Learning Center. The Center was established to help support the Garden. In 1985, the position of curator was established and funded, and the name was officially changed in 1986 to the Mounts Botanical Garden. The following actions have implemented the growth of Mounts Botanical Garden: the formation of the Friends as a nonprofit organization in 1983 for the purpose of providing support; an expansion effort by Palm Beach County that added ten acres to the garden; and in 1988, the construction of a new 18,000 square foot office complex to house the Extension Service. Currently, a master site plan is being revised by the University of Florida with expectations to begin implementation within the year. The Friends contribution to the programming and staffing of the Garden has grown significantly over the years. The Garden welcomes about 50,000 visitors a year and is considered a mecca of gardening information county-wide, providing tours of the garden to visitors of all ages, classes and special events which have grown and become more successful each year. The Friends’ employ three full time and six part time positions and half of another full time position.

The Friends will offer this $1000 scholarship to a student accepted into or recently enrolled in the Palm Beach Community College Horticulture Program. A minimum of a 3.0 G.P.A. is required and pursuit of an A.S. degree or higher is required. In providing this scholarship opportunity, the Friends is furthering the mission of the Mounts Botanical Garden by helping to promote a student pursuing a horticulture career path. An internship if required will be performed at the Mounts Botanical Garden. Please complete the following application and distribute the attached reference forms to the three (3) individuals providing your references. The individuals providing the references shall submit the completed reference form to PBCC directly to the attention of Dr. George Rogers, Ph.D. An acknowledgement letter showing acceptance into the PBCC Horticulture Program is required. Include an essay (300 to 500 words) on your horticulture interest and future. Please double space and use 12 pt. Font.