WEST WINDSOR – Students in Mercer County Community College’s (MCCC) Horticulture Program are participating in the Philadelphia Flower Show for the 12^th time. Aiming for gold again this year, MCCC has previously earned four gold medals as well as the prestigious Chicago Horticultural Society Flower Show Medal and Special Achievement in the education category.

 Now in its 196^th year, the Philadelphia Flower Show – the oldest and largest indoor horticultural event in the world – is known for its premier landscape architects, imaginative designs, innovative plant experts, educational exhibits, horticulturists, and visionary themes. To correspond with this year’s Flower Show theme “Gardens of Tomorrow,” MCCC students will present “Rooting for our Future,” a 700-square-foot display that incorporates urban agriculture, mini meadows, bioswales, fruit trees, and more.

 Meant to be a multisensory experience that educates visitors about urban gardening, biodiversity, how to improve food insecurity, and more, students hope the public is inspired by the idea that even gardening in small spaces can create a big impact on the environment. “We are always proud of the hard work and determination our students put into preparing for the Flower Show,” said Dr. Deborah E. Preston, MCCC President. “For months they work together to use the skills they learn in the classroom/greenhouse and connect them to the real-world experience of working among some of the best and brightest professionals in the region. We couldn’t ask for a better learning experience.”

 Students in the award-winning Ornamental Horticulture program prepare for the show through hands-on classes conducted in two greenhouses and surrounding gardens that teach them aesthetic design, how to care for at least 300 different woody and herbaceous plant specimens, produce and manage greenhouse crops, and practice pest management.

 Last year, MCCC took home the gold medal in the “Education” category for its “Two Cities, One Garden” display as well as an additional medal and a special achievement. “It is an honor to participate in the Flower Show,” said MCCC Horticulture and Plant Science Professor, Amy Ricco. “It feels great to have had good success, grown, and stayed true to our goal of inspiring visitors, while at the same time, introducing our students to real-world application which is very helpful for them to see what careers are available and continue to make lasting contributions after leaving Mercer.”

 The Flower Show will be held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center from March 1-9, 2025. Tickets can be purchased via Here. Learn more about the Ornamental Horticulture degree Here.

About Mercer County Community College
Established in 1966, Mercer County Community College is a publicly supported comprehensive institution that provides opportunities for higher education through an open-door admission policy. The scenic 292-acre West Windsor Campus was opened in 1972 to serve the needs of Mercer County residents. MCCC’s James Kerney Campus, located in downtown Trenton, serves as an educational and cultural hub for city residents that meets the changing needs of thousands of students and community members seeking educational fulfillment and personal and career growth. President: Deborah E. Preston, Ph.D.; www.mccc.edu


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