On September 20, 2025 students from Purdue University’s Field Production of Horticultural Crops and Landscape Contracting and Management classes participated in a day-long field trip exploring several key horticultural sites in central and southern Indiana. The courses, both part of Purdue’s Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, provide students with practical exposure to commercial horticultural operations.
The trip included visits to Bethany Community Gardens in Indianapolis, Southern View Nursery in Arlington, Schneider Nursery in Seymour, and The Rejoicing Vine in Indianapolis. At each stop, students gained insight into various aspects of horticultural production, management practices, and landscape applications.
At Bethany Community Gardens, students learned about community engagement through sustainable food production. Southern View Nursery and Schneider’s Nursery offered a behind-the-scenes look at the history of the companies, their production methods, and the day-to-day operations of a large nursery. The day concluded at The Rejoicing Vine, where students explored vineyard operations and landscape integration using regenerative agriculture in agritourism.
This trip allowed students to see firsthand the diversity of horticultural careers and production systems across Indiana. It was a great opportunity for them to connect classroom concepts with real-world applications.
The experience reinforced Purdue’s Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture’s commitment to providing experiential learning that prepares students for success in the Green Industry.
