The University of Rhode Island Horticulture Club, a club known for its association with the propagation of plants and various events, is one where members are encouraged to get as involved as they can.
This club meets weekly, on Wednesdays at 5 p.m. in Greenhouse room 123, and educates members on all things plants. Members are encouraged to participate in plant swaps to gain more information on many different plant varieties and are taught various skills.
In these plant swaps, club members are given different plant varieties to take care of for a week in order to gain more experience. Some such skills include how to rid plants of diseases or bugs and how to ensure plants are getting just the right amount of water.
At their last meeting, members of the executive board gave a brief overview of houseplants such as pathos, philodendron and monstera. These common plants are still easily overlooked and many people are unaware of how to properly water, fertilize, and care for them, said Haley Aborn, a third-year student and member of the executive board. In turn, this lesson was helpful for both beginners and those well-versed in plant care.
Members are encouraged to bring up any concerns they are currently having with their own plants and take advantage of the wide variety of knowledge and tips other members of the group may have. The club brainstorms solutions and checks in the following week to monitor the plant’s progress.
Some of the more popular events hosted by this club include various plant sales, pot painting, wreath making, and hot cocoa events. All proceeds go back into the club so that members can buy more plants to sell to students at reduced prices.
Members participate in various excursions to look for plants to both grow and propagate, one such event taking place at Logee’s, a tropical plant store in Connecticut. The trip resulted in many plants being brought back to be used in future plant sales.
In 2023, the club also took a trip to the North Woods, located next to campus off of Old North Road, where they foraged for plants to turn into herbal teas.
Lucy Driscoll, a member of the club since fall of 2023, is a first-year student majoring in wildlife and conservation biology. According to her, in addition to being a well-established club it is also a very welcoming one. Students are encouraged to join regardless of their majors.
“We take anyone with any experience, so if you’re at all interested in plants then you’re more than welcome to join,” Driscoll said.
The club ensures that members stay involved and informed by switching up the meetings each week and giving members hands-on experience with plants. Club members also get the opportunity to experiment with different techniques, such as plant grafting. Plant grafting entails joining plant tissues together so as to continue their joint growth.
“Not only is it a great way to learn about plants, but it’s a great way to meet new people,” Driscoll said.
Haley Aborn is a third-year student majoring in wildlife and conservation biology. As of this semester, she also just happens to be the vice president of the club.
“It’s an awesome place to meet people who share similar interests,” Aborn said. “I love it and I’m really glad I’m a part of it.”
Aborn, who just recently switched majors, has been able to gain a wide variety of knowledge regarding her new major, and learn tips and tricks from those more experienced. Her responsibilities include keeping track of the email list, helping to run the Instagram account, and coordinating meetings.
Members of the e-Board regularly monitor the club email, so regardless of if you’re in the club or not, you’re welcome to send an email with any questions you may have regarding plants or club events, Aborn said.
If you’re looking to get involved in this club, attend one of their weekly meetings, or send them an email at: [email protected]