Horticulture Education and Training
Former Interns...Where are they now?
June Hutson
Supervisor, Kemper Home Demonstration Gardens
33 years at Missouri Botanical Garden
MBG Hort Intern, 1974-1976
I was then instructed to weed a bed of all nut grass. I was told to get all the nuts. I got one. It was not until quite some time later that I was told that this is next to impossible, restoring my faith in being a horticulturist. The Garden was quite different, with many less cultivated areas. However, the perennial gardens, where I learned so much, were extensive. Many of my duties were the same as the limited staff - planting bulbs, annuals and hundreds of mums!!!
I learned a lot about herb gardening from working in the old scented garden, then located in the Knolls. Weeding the vegetable garden was tedious as we had no mulch, anywhere. The main beds were planted by the whole staff and volunteers, of which there were about 6 people altogether.
In the Climatron, I had similar duties, with an emphasis on picking up leaves. Soon I was assigned to the Mediterranean House, which had just been planted. It wasn't yet open to the public, so it was just me and the plants. I fell in love with plants and their unique aromatic leaves and exotic flowers. It was learn as you go.
My boss, Dr. Charles Huckins was a brilliant man and a real people person. He taught me so much and instilled a lifelong passion for plants in me. He was a detailist and imparted his good habits at the workplace. Right before I graduated in 1976, a job came open in the Climatron. I applied and received the position. So I actually started work before graduation. I worked in the Mediterranean House and the Climatron as well as the Rock Garden, which was developed later, until 1997.
I moved to the Kemper Center for Home Gardening and became the Outdoor Project Coordinator and some months later became the Field Supervisor for the same gardens, where I am today. This job involves coordinating work activities, supervising 5 staff and also volunteers. Much planning goes into the exhibits, as well as research and ordering plants. My job is very satisfying since I am a plant person and there is so much diversity in my duties. I would like to finish out my career here at the Garden, hopefully learning until the day I leave.
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