CULTIVATE is an annual conference that is presented this year by AmericanHort. This event is for anyone in Horticulture - where they can attend hundreds of educational sessions, get hands on experience in workshops, and learn more about industry standards and products. It's a great place to expand your network and resources as educators, researchers, students and more!
A big congratulations goes to Olivia Liebing, a grad student pursuing her Master's under Dr. Garrett Owen, who was selected as a 2025 HortScholar at this year's CULTIVATE conference! Olivia kindly spared us a minute to tell us about what this means to her...
What does being selected as a 2025 AmericanHort Scholar mean to you?
Being selected as a 2025 HortScholar is an incredible honor. To me it demonstrates how hard work and dedication pay off and instills confidence in me to continue striving for excellence throughout my career in horticulture.
Can you highlight some of the key research and accomplishments that contributed to this recognition?
I am not entirely sure of their selection process, but I think having a well-rounded work experience and passion for what I do really helped. This includes work experience in greenhouse, nursery production, landscaping, and public gardens with the addition of teaching and research experience. I also think having future goals of driving change in the green industry is key.
What inspired you to pursue researching the propagation of woody ornamental nursery crops?
Woody ornamentals are not only beautiful but are vital to our landscapes and communities. I find these plants inspiring and the challenges they present in production spark my curiosity. I am incredibly grateful to have this opportunity at the Ohio State to add to our knowledge on the propagation of woody ornamental nursery crops to aid those who grow them.
What are you most looking forward to at this year’s CULTIVATE?
I am looking forward to connecting with fellow scholars and green industry members alike. I am also excited to give back as a HortScholar by setting up and working behind the scenes at Cultivate. This is one of my favorite conferences due to the breadth of industry members present and I love getting to hear the latest horticulture updates and advancements.
Closing thoughts
I would like to thank my mentors, colleagues, and family, whose encouragement and support was instrumental in becoming a 2025 HortScholar!
Curious about CULTIVATE? Check it out here.