About Us

Rooted in Cornell’s long-standing horticultural tradition, Hortus Forum is one of the university’s oldest plant-focused student organizations, tracing its lineage back to the days of Liberty Hyde Bailey, when the “Lazy Club” first brought together students passionate about the art and science of growing plants. Today, Hortus Forum continues that legacy as a vibrant, student-run community dedicated to exploring biodiversity, horticulture, and the joy of cultivating life.

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Our members maintain a diverse collection of tropical and arid plants in the club’s greenhouse, where students learn hands-on plant care, propagation, and sustainable growing practices. The plants we nurture are shared with the Cornell and Ithaca communities through bi-monthly plant sales, which support the club’s operations and allow us to continue expanding our collection. These sales also serve as valuable opportunities for members to gain experience in marketing, planning, and inventory management, giving the club a unique role as both a horticultural and nonprofit business learning organization.

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Each year, Hortus Forum proudly represents Cornell at the Philadelphia Flower Show, the nation’s largest and longest-running horticultural event. Members showcase plants from our greenhouse in competition and spend the trip visiting regional botanical gardens, nurseries, and specialty plant shops, connecting with the broader horticultural community beyond campus.

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In addition to greenhouse work and sales, Hortus Forum regularly collaborates with other ecology and plant-focused organizations at Cornell to host educational events and workshops on biodiversity, plant science, and sustainable horticulture. Through these initiatives, the club cultivates not only plants, but also curiosity, creativity, and community among students of all backgrounds and disciplines. At its core, Hortus Forum remains true to its mission: To cultivate a positive social community that fosters a passion for plants and teaches the value of horticulture.