Q&A with Lucy Grengs, club president
What are the goals and missions of the Horticulture Club?
The Horticulture Club’s main mission is to create a fun environment for Iowa State students interested in plants. We have people of all sorts of majors coming together in one room to enjoy our plant-related activities. Whether it is a plant swap or painting fall pumpkins, our members enjoy engaging with anything plants!
When and where does the club meet?
Our club meets on Tuesdays at 6:45 p.m. in 118 Horticulture Hall. At our meetings, we always have free food, most likely pizza or sandwiches, and have an activity planned for the night. Our project coordinators do an amazing job of creating plant-related crafts and activities.
What opportunities does the club have for students to get involved? Leadership?
The Horticulture Club plans a few sales throughout the school year that help create opportunities for club trips and fun activities to host at our meetings. Club members who have accumulated points through attending meetings and volunteering can sign up for a club trip to view horticultural sites in the Midwest. Last semester, we took a few members to Chicago to see the Chicago Botanic Garden, Ball Horticultural Company, Morton Arboretum and many other spectacular sites relating to horticulture.
We also attend ClubFest in both the fall and spring. Leadership opportunities are accessible to everyone in our club. We will be holding nominations and have an election this coming fall, where members will be able to run for one of our executive positions. We do ask that our president has already served on a previous executive team.
What are some club events, activities or fundraisers?
The Horticulture Club puts on a Valentine's Bouquet sale every year. People can pre-order bouquets or walk in to get a custom bouquet. Usually, we hold this event on the ground floor of UDCC on the 13th and 14th of February. We are also involved in the Plant Sale Extravaganza that is hosted by Reiman Gardens. There, we sell hanging flower baskets that are perfect for spring and summertime.
Who can join the club? Are there any requirements?
Anyone can and should join the club! The Horticulture Club is open to all majors. All we ask is that you join our club officially through our student organization page.
What makes the Horticulture Club fun and unique?
The Horticulture Club is fun and unique because of our openness to every major. We do not require dues or fees to join our club or to participate in trips and activities. The trips we go on are virtually free aside from a couple of meals and whatever souvenirs one would like to buy.
Information compiled by Katrina Hageman