Women in Horticulture

Women have tended and loved their gardens for millennia but their contributions are largely forgotten. In this lecture, takes a small slice of time, 1900 to 1940, and explores the key women who founded gardening organizations including The Pennsylvania School of Horticulture for Women; The Woman’s National Farm and Garden Association; and The Garden Club of America. Other women discussed include authors, garden designers, conservationists, dig-in-dirt gardeners, and influential women from Chester County who participated in the horticultural movement during that time.

Jenny Rose Carey is a renowned gardener, educator, historian, and author. She is the former senior director at the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s Meadowbrook Farm in Jenkintown, and previously worked at Temple University for over a decade, first as an adjunct professor in the Department of Landscape Architecture and Horticulture and then as director of the Ambler Arboretum. Jenny Rose has been lecturing nationally and internationally for many years.

Penn State Great Valley strives to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals in our community to engage fully. The campus includes accessible and gender neutral restroom, dedicated parking spaces, elevators, lactation room, step-free access, and a complimentary wheelchair. If you require any accommodation not listed above, or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact Becky Stanko at or call 610-648-3236.

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