As a University of Florida plant scientist who spent most of his vocation doing experiments in a lab , Charlie Guy did n’t have a probability to consider how horticulture could help improve people ’s wellbeing .
But today , he ’s seen how work with plant life can help mass see themselves and their futures in a new lighting .
Over the past twelvemonth , Guy has tutored Amy Puccio and Eric Estores , two participants in the Wilmot Gardens Autism Spectrum Disorder Job Skills Training Program . He help them prepare for the Florida Nursery , Growers and Landscape Association ’s ( FNGLA ) Certified Horticulture Professional designation examination .
leave to right : Dr. Craig Tisher , Eric Estores , Amy Puccio and Charlie Guy .
This appellation is the industriousness standard for horticultural acquisition and knowledge , and signals to likely employer that applicants are quick for the job in plant nurseries , landscaping and other horticultural operation .
“ Dr. Guy called to tell us about this unique plan at Wilmot Gardens and their desire to pop the question FNGLA ’s Certified Horticulture Professional to their bookman , ” allege Merry Mott , director of certifications and career development for FNGLA . “ We did n’t think twice before pronounce , ‘ yes , absolutely ! ’ ”
horticulture can help those on the Autism spectrum advance the accomplishment and independence want to inscribe the men in ways that other activities might not , say Guy , prof emeritus of environmental horticulture in UF ’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences .
“ citizenry have a deep born affinity for plants , and working with flora provides benefits that are only now being sympathize , ” order Guy , whose enquiry has concenter on the impacts of gardening on mental health and eudaimonia . “ Plants have a unequalled voltage to spark a individual ’s interest to larn , and this was a motivational factor for Eric and Amy to examine severely and be able to pass the FNGLA certification scrutiny . ”
On August 23 , Puccio and Estores received their documentation from FNGLA congresswoman during a small ceremony at Wilmot Gardens .
Eric Estores expect at his official FNGLA designation with kinfolk member .
“ We are so proud of Eric and Amy ’s acquisition . Not only do we receive them as FNGLA demonstrate professional person , we receive them to our horticulture syndicate , ” Mott tell .
Puccio read one of her preferred portion of horticulture is that it gets her outdoors . form with plants also gives her a mother wit of superbia . “ I feel like I ’ve find something I ’m beneficial at , ” she tell . She plans to apply to jobs in flora nursery .
While Estores wish cut and transplantation , he ’s most passionate about read new plant species . “ I enjoy doing plant designation because I care to memorise things , ” he said . One day he ’d like to work for UF / IFAS , just like his wise man , Charlie Guy .
The ASD Job Skills Training Program starts up again this calendar month , where Guy contrive to tutor four participants to assist them realise their FNGLA certifications .
Source : University of Florida ( Samantha Grenrock )
