Horticulture Club places 37th at national landscaping competition
University of Wisconsin-Platteville Horticulture students placed 37 out of 63 universities at the National Collegiate Landscape Competition in Starkville, MS. March 16-19.
For Horticulture Club members, preparing for the competition took practice, studying and involvement in classes built around horticulture. Senior horticulture major Casey Moss said that the classes were especially helpful in preparing for the competition. Advisors Donita Cartmill and Michael Compton provided practice tests, study material and other information for the students during the preparation process.
Senior agriculture business major Dakota Lins said he has been going to this competition for the last four years.
“From past competitions I already had experience with some of [the events] so I kind of knew what to expect for some events,” Lins said. He also said the competition is a fun and competitive environment where students from different states can meet. Lins placed 10th in small engine repair.
Sophomore education major Ashleigh Hickey said a lot of others had more hands-on tests and were able to practice more before the competition in Mississippi.
“I did written tests for mine, so the tests I did were Turf and Weed Identification and then there was a business management test, so I just looked at tests from previous years and studied off of those,” Hickey said.
Hickey also said there were multiple activities to attend at the competition, including a speaker and information sessions about the test that they took. The competition also had a career day where students can talk to companies from around the country.
“It’s nice to get out of your element as well,” Moss said.
The UW-Platteville Horticulture Club meets twice a month and discusses future plant sales and working with the community. Their goal is to further the interest and education of its member in the area of horticulture. Activities include speakers, community service, trips and many plant sales.
