THE NIAGARA PARKS SCHOOL OF HORTICULTURE IS 75 YEARS OLD By GEORGE BAILEY
2011-08-25 08:58:05
3 comments Latest by George Bailey 09/03/11 05:44:31 EDT
One of the best kept secrets around Niagara Falls Canada is the Niagara Parks School of Horticulture found on the lower Niagara Parkway about 15 minutes north of the falls.
Opened in 1936 this school was originally called The Niagara Parks Commission Training School for Apprentice Gardeners.
Today it is known as the School of Horticulture and is located on the grounds of the NPC Botanical Gardens. This is also where you will find the Butterfly Conservatory.
Here about 34 students a year attend a three year program to train to be professional gardeners. It’s a real deal. First and second year students pay $1,000 per year tuition, which includes room and board in the residential home found on site. Third year students are expected to find lodging off site. However, getting accepted in this school isn’t easy. You need practical experience and high marks. Students in exchange for the low tuition are expected to maintain the beautiful 40 hectare (99 acres) world famous garden.
When they graduate they are in high demand throughout the world.
The accompanying photograph is a floral tribute planted in the face of the nearby Floral Clock.
