Horticulture History

Illinois Central College opened in 1967 in temporary buildings on the 400-acre site on the bluffs overlooking the Illinois River in East Peoria. The Horticulture Program began offering classes in the fall of 1970. The curriculum emphasized turf and landscape topics. Classes were held in the Marquette Building located on the Interim Campus (what is now the Dingledine East Campus). A small 20’ x 25’ plastic-covered quonset greenhouse attached to the end of the Marquette Building was used for propagation and production of a few crops. The educational emphasis was on practical, hands-on application, which has remained the focus for the program.

Students building new retaining wall	Students working on new stone steps	Students lay pavers in Herb Garden

In the 1970's, the Agriculture Land Lab and arboretum were initiated and this area continues to develop. It is based on a seven-acre tract of land and contains a wide variety of trees, shrubs, vines, and perennials that are hardy to central Illinois. Several collections have been added over the years. These include collections of crabapples, hosta, and dwarf conifers. The arboretum expanded over 25 years to include a variety of student designed and constructed architectural features. Included are a patio garden, herb garden, arbor, stonewall seating, Oriental Garden, and a pond and waterfall. A gazebo and entrance arbor were purchased through donations and added in 2000.

The Hosta Garden in the Arboretum	The Gazebo in the AAS Flower Beds	Oriental Garden Arbor

The program moved from the Marquette Building on the Interim Campus to new facilities in the Agricultural and Technologies Building on the Main Campus in 1977. The new facilities included a 2200 ft. sq. greenhouse plus potting room and storage facilities. The greenhouse served the program for 20 years.

The program became host for an All-America Selections Display Garden for flowers and vegetables in 1981. As part of the requirement to be a Display Garden, the program has hosted a Landscape and Garden Day every September to educate the public on new cultivars of flowers and vegetables. The program received the AAS Display Garden Exemplary Education Award in 2001.

In 2000, a new Horticulture Building was built at the Land Lab that would include a classroom, Construction and Mechanics lab, and work and storage areas. A new 4800 square foot state of the art greenhouse range was added to this building in 2001 and all plant production moved to this facility.

The new Greenhouses at the Land Lab	The new Land Lab Building	South Greenhouse & Quonset House

In 2002, the program hosted the national 26th ALCA Student Career Days (now PLANET). The program became accredited by the Professional Landscape Network (PLANET) in 2004 and became one of 25 programs in the nation to be accredited. As part of the requirements to maintain accreditation, students attend the national Green Industry Expo, the PLANET Student Career Days, and participate in the PLANET Day of Service.

		2010 Day of Service Project Habitat for Humanity House Landscaping

The Horticulture curriculum is designed to facilitate education and training of students for the Landscape and Turf Industry. Students may also choose to enter into occupations in the Greenhouse and Floriculture Industry. The cornerstone of the program is the two 8-week internship periods students participate in during their sophomore year. Students may choose a local employer or select an internship site out-of-state. Students have completed their internship requirements with businesses in Oregon, Colorado, Georgia, Ohio, Wisconsin, and England.

Students may directly enter the Industry or continue their education at a four-year University. Transfer students may choose to further their education at the University of Illinois, Southern Illinois University, Western Illinois University, or Illinois State University. Some students transfer to out-of-state Universities.

Students have the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities at ICC besides going to classes. The Horticulture Club sponsors a variety of trips and social functions each year. Students may participate in the Illinois Nurserymen’s Association Apprenticeship Program, the Pro-Hort Seminars, and the PLANET Student Career Days held each Spring. In addition, students assist in hosting the College’s Landscape & Garden Day held each fall at the Land Lab.

Student Career Days team ready to depart		Visitors to Landscape & Garden Day