ROOTED IN EDUCATION, RICHARD M. SMITH, DIRECTOR, NYBG SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL HORTICULTURE
- Jennifer Jewell
- 13 hours ago
- 4 min read
This week on Cultivating Place, guest host Abra Lee is joined in conversation by someone whose path into horticulture is both surprising and inspiring—Richard M. Smith, director of the School of Professional Horticulture at the New York Botanical Garden.
Richard grew up in Belle Glade, Florida—folks there call it Muck City, thanks to their deep, rich soil. And while Richard didn’t start off in horticulture, that love for plants was always in him. Now his career is focused on helping people from all walks of life find their way into this field—building careers, finding purpose, and growing something meaningful.
As someone who is growing more than just plants, Richard is all about access, mentorship, and really making sure the door stays open behind him.
Richard’s journey into horticulture is one of vision, resilience, and deep-rooted purpose. From mentoring students to expanding access in the field, his work is reshaping what the future of horticulture looks like—and who gets to be a part of it.
From Abra: Today, I’m really happy to be talking with someone whose path into horticulture is both inspiring and honest—Richard Smith. He’s the Director of the School of Professional Horticulture at the New York Botanical Garden, but let me tell you, he didn’t exactly plan on ending up here.
He started out in a small town in Florida, and over the years, turned a simple love for plants into a lifelong mission. Now a days, he’s helping people from all walks of life see that they can build, real, honest and truly fulfilling careers in horticulture too.
He’s all about access, mentorship, and really making sure the door stays open behind him. I’m so glad y’all get to hear his story today. Cultivating Place family, say hello to Richard Smith—someone who’s growing more than just gardens. Richard, welcome to the show!
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All photos courtesy of Richard M. Smith; image of Richard and Abra by Richard Lewin. All rights reserved.
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JOIN US again next week, when Jennifer kicks off July with our next CP LIVE recording - this time in conversation with Ben Futa, owner and founder of Botany & Co in Southbend, IN and regular host here on CP - it's a beautiful independence day celebaration of independent growers growing their places, and us all ...That's right here, next week. Listen in!
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Thinking out loud this week...
Hey, y'all, it's Abra—
Summer’s in full swing, and the garden is bursting—flowers blooming, tomatoes setting, pollinators hard at work. It’s a beautiful season of growth, but it also takes attention. The heat sets in, things dry out quickly, and you’ve got to stay present to keep it all thriving.
It’s got me thinking—what in your life needs some tending right now? What’s quietly trying to grow, if only you gave it a little more time, care, or intention?
So as you move through these summer days, take a moment to notice what’s changing—around you and within you and remember, what’s watered, grows.
And if you feel called, come visit me down at Oakland Cemetery in Atlanta. We’ll share some sun, some soil, and maybe a story or two.
I’ve been sittin’ here just smiling about this conversation with Richard. Did you know sunflowers actually turn their heads to follow the sun throughout the day? It’s called heliotropism—and I just love that. Plants literally chasing the light. Isn’t that something?
Talking to Richard reminded me of that—how folks, just like plants, can grow in powerful ways when given the right conditions: a little support, some encouragement, and space to stretch toward what lights them up.
His journey—from a Florida school garden to leading one of the most
respected horticulture schools in the country—is proof that there’s no single path to purpose. Sometimes all it takes is one person, one moment, to spark a
lifetime of growth.
So wherever you’re planted, don’t be afraid to lean toward the light. You
never know what might bloom.
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Cultivating Place is a co-production of North State Public Radio, a service of Cap Radio, licensed to Chico State Enterprises. Cultivating Place is made possible in part listeners just like you through the support button at the top right-hand corner of every page at Cultivating Place.com.
The CP team includes producer and engineer Matt Fidler, with weekly tech and web support from Angel Huracha, weekly communications support by Sheila Stern and Carley Bruckner, transcripts by Doulos Transcription, and regular guest hosting by Abra Lee and Ben Futa. We’re based on the traditional and present homelands of the Mechoopda Indian Tribe of the Chico Rancheria. Original theme music is by Ma Muse, accompanied by Joe Craven and Sam Bevan.
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