Public horticulture:                                                                Jobs As horticulturists move into the "decade of the environment," we are called upon to recognize the inter-relationship between humans and the environment and to expand our efforts to address this relationship, thus enhancing the value of plants in society. Attention to this area will have a direct influence on the development of environmentally sound and humanly healthful landscapes. Increased research in this area, coupled with communications to make the public aware of research findings, would significantly increase the appreciation and use of plants. In turn, this is expected to increase the demand for horticultural products and services, increase the number of jobs in the Green Industry and, ultimately, increase the demand and funding for traditional horticultural research and education. To maximize the roles and benefits that plants have in our society, we need to support increased urban horticultural activities. To achieve this, we need to document the impact of these activities in forms that will be accepted by budget officials in government and private industry, as well as constituent taxpayers. It is as important to understand the role of social and emotional factors relating to the persistence of urban plants as it is to understand the botanical and physical factors that contribute to plant success. Public Horticulturists are those who are responsible for the general public's education and use of plants for the enhancement of human well-being as well as society's interest in plant study, conservation, and preservation. Generally speaking, there are two types of public horticulture responsibilities: 1. Organizations responsible for the study, display, maintenance, and preservation of living plant collections for public benefit. Botanical gardens, arboretums, and conservatories Cities and parks Zoos and aquariums Cemeteries Historical homes and grounds University and college campuses Theme Parks 2. Organizations responsible for the use of plants to enhance human well-being through education, use, and therapy. Schools, colleges, and universities Extension service Botanical gardens, arboretums, and conservatories Hospitals, therapy centers, nursing homes, and senior centers Garden publications Horticulture Societies Community garden organizations