During the 2020 Annual Conference of the American Society for Horticultural Science , the Consumer Horticulture and Master Gardener Professional Interest Group hosted the workshop , “ important Issues in Consumer Horticulture ” . The shop discussed the results of surveys of two groups — consumer horticulture ( CH)/extension research worker and public gardens stave . The surveys were plan to provide a good understanding of the shortage in current CH research and information on the extent of public gardens ' role in CH .
In a recently published clause in the American Society for Horticultural Science journal HortTechnology , two specific presentation of survey resolution are discussed in detail — the research gaps in CH and bridge the water parting between CH and public gardens .
As defined by the National Initiative for Consumer Horticulture ( NICH ) , “ Consumer gardening is the culture , exercise and use of plants , gardens , landscapes and tie in horticultural items to the benefit of individuals , communities and the environment . ” CH is a broad discipline that provides backing to people from every demographic of the U.S. universe .
fit in to NICH , “ CH - related activities rely on the reason and software of the art and scientific discipline of gardening . ” Industries that support these activities include everything from sovereign garden center and florist to wholesale growers . consumer essay out educational activity from a unspecific smorgasbord of beginning such as garden clubs , social media , and agriculture wing agents .
Findings from the gaps in CH research survey given to the CH / annexe researchers show a gulf in participant ’ perceptual experience of the theatrical role of CH in the economy and recreation , even though there was a world-wide understanding of consumer horticulture . The greatest knowledge gap was in basic horticultural practices such as planting , pruning , and ground grooming . Results from the first survey also point a readable gap in CH research because of a lack of funding and understanding of the grandness of CH by both investigator and educators .
The retail gardening industry in the United States is require to reach $ 50 billion by 2023 , and it is a important driver of the agricultural thriftiness . To meet the corresponding demand for selective information , the authors suggest that CH professionals will ask to develop innovative digital outreach , inquiry - based result , a conjunctive enlisting of young , and enhanced collaborations .
Public garden across the United States give consumers a place for socializing , mentally relaxing , learn more about the nature in their communities , and increasing their garden knowledge and accomplishment .
The results of the public garden sight spot to a need for a concert crusade to train public garden professionals about CH and its grandness . Public garden professionals are in a unique position to pass on their knowledge to the ecumenical populace since they are involved in legion plant societies and actively collaborate with their local green industry .
The authors plan to present these results to the National Initiative for Consumer Horticulture executive director committee , and drawing card in academia and public garden management . The ultimate goal is to provide consumers with a consistent messaging and to shut the knowledge gap in basic horticultural practices .
The consummate clause is available on the ASHS HortTechnology electronic daybook web site : https://doi.org/10.21273 / HORTTECH04934 - 21
