Growing opportunity: Ekene Tharpe cultivates connection, curiosity and careers in horticulture

For Ekene Tharpe, horticulture isn’t just about plants — it’s about people, possibility, and creating pathways for students to grow alongside the landscapes they help shape.

As Department Chair and Assistant Professor of Horticulture at Reynolds Community College, Tharpe leads a program rooted in hands-on learning, industry collaboration, and environmental stewardship. She also helped establish one of the college’s most distinctive partnerships: Reynolds horticulture classes are now held entirely at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, where students learn directly in professional greenhouses, gardens, and conservatory spaces.

“It’s an incredible environment for students,” Tharpe said. “They’re not just learning concepts — they’re practicing horticulture in real working spaces alongside professionals every day.”

Tharpe brings both academic expertise and industry experience to the role. She holds horticulture degrees from the University of Tennessee and Virginia Tech, where her graduate research focused on micro tomatoes grown in indoor farming systems — an emerging field at the intersection of agriculture, sustainability, and technology.

Today, she channels that experience into building strong partnerships, developing curriculum, and ensuring students have access to meaningful career pathways.

A day rooted in collaboration

No two days look the same for Tharpe. Her work spans teaching, program leadership, and community engagement, often all within a single day.

She collaborates with industry partners to expand student opportunities, develops curriculum, explores funding opportunities, and conducts outreach with K-12 programs such as Henrico County’s Advanced Career Education (ACE) program. Maintaining a strong partnership with Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is also a daily priority, ensuring the collaboration remains mutually beneficial.

Students at the center

What energizes Tharpe most is students’ enthusiasm and sense of purpose. She frequently connects students with industry professionals, helping them build networks that extend beyond the classroom.

“Seeing people I’ve trained or taught succeed in their future careers will always be the most rewarding,” Tharpe said.

Recently, while listening to student business plan presentations, she found herself unexpectedly emotional.

“I was moved to tears hearing how passionate students were about improving our food systems and doing it sustainably,” she said. “Their excitement and commitment are incredibly inspiring.”

The horticulture program itself reflects that forward-thinking mindset. Students learn plant identification and cultivation, environmental stewardship, and professional skills while gaining real-world experience at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden.

Students can earn an associate degree in horticulture or a career studies certificate in sustainable farming — credentials designed to prepare them for immediate employment or continued education.

Celebrating National Garden Month

National Garden Month offers a timely reminder of why horticulture matters beyond the classroom.

“Plants and green spaces improve our environment, support food systems, and create healthier communities,” Tharpe said. “Gardens don’t just happen — they take skilled professionals and thoughtful care.”

She hopes the month encourages people to see gardening not simply as a hobby but as a practice that supports mental and physical well-being, strengthens communities, and promotes environmental resilience.

Advice for future horticulturists

For students considering the field, Tharpe offers reassuring advice: perfection isn’t required.

“Be curious and fearless,” she said with a laugh. “Being a horticulturist doesn’t mean you won’t kill plants. I’ve been doing this for 10 years and still regularly kill plants.”

What matters, she explains, is learning from living systems that constantly change.

“That’s the magic and art of horticulture,” she said. “If you want to have fun, answer meaningful questions, and make a real difference in your community, this is an incredible field to explore.”

At Reynolds, Tharpe isn’t just teaching students how to grow plants — she’s helping them cultivate confidence, purpose, and futures rooted in possibility.