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HoFo Memories
A living collection of our favorite memories, celebrating the plants we’ve grown, the places we’ve explored, and the community we’ve built.
New York Botanical Garden Tour
At the end of the semester, the Hortus Forum executive board had the opportunity to take an unofficial trip to New York City, where we visited the New York Botanical Garden for an incredible behind-the-scenes learning experience. Throughout the day, we explored the garden's stunning landscapes and seasonal displays, discovering new and unusual plants while gaining a deeper appreciation for the artistry and planning that goes into creating world-class botanical exhibits.
One of the highlights of our visit was touring the Nolen Greenhouses, home to the garden's production and living collections. We met with curators responsible for managing the botanical collections as well as gardeners who produce thousands of plants for seasonal displays across the garden. They shared the challenges of operating a large-scale greenhouse, from coordinating seasonal production schedules to maintaining the health of diverse plant species grown in bulk for exhibitions.
As we continued our tour through the garden's living collections, we gained a greater appreciation for the role botanical gardens play in preserving plant diversity. Along the way, we had the rare opportunity to see Nesocodon mauritianus in bloom while learning about the species from Mark Hachadourian, a Cornell alumnus and Director of Glasshouse Horticulture and Senior Curator of Orchids at the New York Botanical Garden. He explained how this endangered plant serves as an excellent example of why botanical gardens are so important for conservation and research.
Native to the remote island of Mauritius, Nesocodon mauritianus is best known for its striking light blue, bell-shaped flowers that produce vivid red nectar—one of the rarest nectar colors found in nature. The flowers are pollinated by day geckos, making this species a fascinating example of the unique evolutionary relationships that can develop in isolated island ecosystems. Seeing such an extraordinary plant in person while hearing its story from one of the world's leading horticulturists made for an unforgettable experience.
The conservation message continued as we toured the garden's behind-the-scenes research collections. These greenhouses house an extraordinary diversity of plants maintained for scientific study and conservation, allowing researchers to better understand and protect rare and threatened species from around the world. During the tour, we encountered plants we had never seen before and learned about the environmental pressures many of them face in the wild, including habitat loss and climate change. Experiencing these collections firsthand reinforced the vital role botanical gardens play in advancing plant conservation, scientific research, and public education.
Our visit to the New York Botanical Garden was an unforgettable experience that gave our executive board a greater appreciation for the work that goes into managing one of the world's premier botanical institutions. From large-scale greenhouse production and breathtaking public displays to conservation research and rare botanical collections, the trip offered valuable lessons that will continue to inspire our club's passion for horticulture, education, and protecting plant biodiversity.
One of the highlights of our visit was touring the Nolen Greenhouses, home to the garden's production and living collections. We met with curators responsible for managing the botanical collections as well as gardeners who produce thousands of plants for seasonal displays across the garden. They shared the challenges of operating a large-scale greenhouse, from coordinating seasonal production schedules to maintaining the health of diverse plant species grown in bulk for exhibitions.
As we continued our tour through the garden's living collections, we gained a greater appreciation for the role botanical gardens play in preserving plant diversity. Along the way, we had the rare opportunity to see Nesocodon mauritianus in bloom while learning about the species from Mark Hachadourian, a Cornell alumnus and Director of Glasshouse Horticulture and Senior Curator of Orchids at the New York Botanical Garden. He explained how this endangered plant serves as an excellent example of why botanical gardens are so important for conservation and research.
Native to the remote island of Mauritius, Nesocodon mauritianus is best known for its striking light blue, bell-shaped flowers that produce vivid red nectar—one of the rarest nectar colors found in nature. The flowers are pollinated by day geckos, making this species a fascinating example of the unique evolutionary relationships that can develop in isolated island ecosystems. Seeing such an extraordinary plant in person while hearing its story from one of the world's leading horticulturists made for an unforgettable experience.
The conservation message continued as we toured the garden's behind-the-scenes research collections. These greenhouses house an extraordinary diversity of plants maintained for scientific study and conservation, allowing researchers to better understand and protect rare and threatened species from around the world. During the tour, we encountered plants we had never seen before and learned about the environmental pressures many of them face in the wild, including habitat loss and climate change. Experiencing these collections firsthand reinforced the vital role botanical gardens play in advancing plant conservation, scientific research, and public education.
Our visit to the New York Botanical Garden was an unforgettable experience that gave our executive board a greater appreciation for the work that goes into managing one of the world's premier botanical institutions. From large-scale greenhouse production and breathtaking public displays to conservation research and rare botanical collections, the trip offered valuable lessons that will continue to inspire our club's passion for horticulture, education, and protecting plant biodiversity.
Philly Flower Show 2026
This year, Hortus Forum proudly continued one of our club’s longest-standing traditions: participating in the Philadelphia Flower Show. For generations, our club has used this opportunity to showcase the plants we grow, share our passion for horticulture with a wider audience, and celebrate the dedication of our members. This year’s exhibition was another incredible milestone, highlighting the skill, creativity, and teamwork that goes into maintaining our collection throughout the year.
After months of propagation, care, and preparation in our greenhouse, Hortus Forum brought over 100 plants to compete at the show. Our collection represented the incredible diversity of plants our members grow, from unique tropical species to rare and unusual houseplants. The hard work and attention to detail of our members was recognized throughout the competition, with 36 of our entries earning awards. In total, Hortus Forum received 5 first-place ribbons, 11 second-place ribbons, and 20 third-place awards, along with 6 class commendations and 6 honorable mentions. These achievements reflected not only the quality of our plants but also the dedication and knowledge of the students who grow and care for them year-round.
Beyond the competition itself, the Philadelphia Flower Show trip provided a valuable opportunity for our executive board to strengthen our connections as a team and gain new perspectives within the horticulture industry. Throughout the trip, we explored gardens, botanical institutions, and specialty plant collections throughout the region, exchanging ideas and learning from the many different approaches to horticulture represented across the area. These experiences helped inspire new ideas for Hortus Forum while creating lasting memories among our members.
A highlight of this year’s trip was our visit to Longwood Gardens, where we were welcomed for a special tour of their renowned gardens and horticultural facilities. During our visit, we learned more about the work of their horticulture, education, and science teams and gained insight into the many career opportunities available within the botanical field. Seeing the scale and dedication behind one of the world’s premier gardens was both inspiring and valuable for our members, providing a deeper appreciation for the impact botanical institutions can have on plant education, conservation, and public engagement.
From award-winning plants to new friendships and educational experiences, this year’s Philadelphia Flower Show trip represented everything that makes Hortus Forum special. It celebrated our club’s history while giving members the opportunity to grow as horticulturists, students, and leaders. We are proud to continue this tradition and look forward to sharing our plants and passion for horticulture at the Flower Show for years to come.
After months of propagation, care, and preparation in our greenhouse, Hortus Forum brought over 100 plants to compete at the show. Our collection represented the incredible diversity of plants our members grow, from unique tropical species to rare and unusual houseplants. The hard work and attention to detail of our members was recognized throughout the competition, with 36 of our entries earning awards. In total, Hortus Forum received 5 first-place ribbons, 11 second-place ribbons, and 20 third-place awards, along with 6 class commendations and 6 honorable mentions. These achievements reflected not only the quality of our plants but also the dedication and knowledge of the students who grow and care for them year-round.
Beyond the competition itself, the Philadelphia Flower Show trip provided a valuable opportunity for our executive board to strengthen our connections as a team and gain new perspectives within the horticulture industry. Throughout the trip, we explored gardens, botanical institutions, and specialty plant collections throughout the region, exchanging ideas and learning from the many different approaches to horticulture represented across the area. These experiences helped inspire new ideas for Hortus Forum while creating lasting memories among our members.
A highlight of this year’s trip was our visit to Longwood Gardens, where we were welcomed for a special tour of their renowned gardens and horticultural facilities. During our visit, we learned more about the work of their horticulture, education, and science teams and gained insight into the many career opportunities available within the botanical field. Seeing the scale and dedication behind one of the world’s premier gardens was both inspiring and valuable for our members, providing a deeper appreciation for the impact botanical institutions can have on plant education, conservation, and public engagement.
From award-winning plants to new friendships and educational experiences, this year’s Philadelphia Flower Show trip represented everything that makes Hortus Forum special. It celebrated our club’s history while giving members the opportunity to grow as horticulturists, students, and leaders. We are proud to continue this tradition and look forward to sharing our plants and passion for horticulture at the Flower Show for years to come.
HoFo Formal
This year, Hortus Forum proudly revived one of our club's oldest traditions: the Winter Formal, originally known as The Mum Ball during our early years as Cornell's Floriculture Club. For decades, the Mum Ball brought members together to celebrate the close of the semester and the friendships formed through a shared passion for horticulture. Reviving this tradition allowed us to reconnect with our club's rich history while creating a memorable experience for a new generation of Hortus Forum members.
The evening welcomed current members, executive board officers, alumni, and fellow student leaders who share a passion for horticulture, plant education, and biodiversity. It provided an opportunity to reflect on everything our club had accomplished throughout the semester, from caring for our greenhouse collection and hosting plant sales to organizing educational events and expanding our community. More importantly, it was a chance to celebrate the friendships and connections that continue to make Hortus Forum a welcoming home for plant enthusiasts across campus.
Throughout the night, members enjoyed dinner, lively conversations, and the opportunity to reconnect with alumni while getting to know newer members outside of the greenhouse. One of the evening's most anticipated events was our plant raffle, featuring a collection of some of our rarer and more unique plants. The raffle not only brought excitement to the celebration but also showcased the diversity of species our club cultivates and shares with the Cornell community.
We were also honored to welcome Chelsea Specht and members of her lab as our guest speakers. They shared their journeys into plant science, discussed their research on tropical plants and biodiversity, and offered valuable advice to students interested in careers in horticulture, botany, and plant biology. Their stories highlighted the many opportunities available within the plant sciences and inspired members to continue exploring their own interests in the field.
Reviving the Mum Ball was about more than bringing back a historic event, it was about celebrating the community that has always been at the heart of Hortus Forum. By honoring a tradition that dates back to our origins as the Floriculture Club while creating new memories with today's members, the evening served as a reminder that although our club has evolved over the years, our shared passion for plants, education, and community continues to bring us together. We look forward to making the Winter Formal, and the legacy of the Mum Ball, a lasting tradition for years to come.
The evening welcomed current members, executive board officers, alumni, and fellow student leaders who share a passion for horticulture, plant education, and biodiversity. It provided an opportunity to reflect on everything our club had accomplished throughout the semester, from caring for our greenhouse collection and hosting plant sales to organizing educational events and expanding our community. More importantly, it was a chance to celebrate the friendships and connections that continue to make Hortus Forum a welcoming home for plant enthusiasts across campus.
Throughout the night, members enjoyed dinner, lively conversations, and the opportunity to reconnect with alumni while getting to know newer members outside of the greenhouse. One of the evening's most anticipated events was our plant raffle, featuring a collection of some of our rarer and more unique plants. The raffle not only brought excitement to the celebration but also showcased the diversity of species our club cultivates and shares with the Cornell community.
We were also honored to welcome Chelsea Specht and members of her lab as our guest speakers. They shared their journeys into plant science, discussed their research on tropical plants and biodiversity, and offered valuable advice to students interested in careers in horticulture, botany, and plant biology. Their stories highlighted the many opportunities available within the plant sciences and inspired members to continue exploring their own interests in the field.
Reviving the Mum Ball was about more than bringing back a historic event, it was about celebrating the community that has always been at the heart of Hortus Forum. By honoring a tradition that dates back to our origins as the Floriculture Club while creating new memories with today's members, the evening served as a reminder that although our club has evolved over the years, our shared passion for plants, education, and community continues to bring us together. We look forward to making the Winter Formal, and the legacy of the Mum Ball, a lasting tradition for years to come.
Gourdlandia
This year, Hortus Forum had the opportunity to partner with Gourdlandia, a local Ithaca organization dedicated to celebrating the creativity, history, and sustainability of gourds through agricultural craft. Together, we hosted a hands-on workshop where members transformed naturally grown gourds into beautiful and unique nightlights, creating a memorable evening centered around creativity, community, and a deeper appreciation for the many ways plants can be used beyond traditional horticulture.
During the workshop, members learned about the process behind growing and preparing gourds for craft. From their cultivation in the field to the drying and curing process that allows them to become durable materials, we explored the many stages that turn a simple agricultural crop into a functional piece of art. The event introduced students to a unique form of sustainable craft and demonstrated how plants can connect agriculture, creativity, and everyday life.
The evening provided a relaxing opportunity for members to step away from the greenhouse and enjoy a different kind of hands-on plant experience. Working together, members shared ideas, helped one another with designs, and created one-of-a-kind pieces while learning about the history and versatility of gourds. The workshop highlighted the importance of looking at plants from different perspectives and recognizing the many roles they can play in culture, sustainability, and creative expression.
This partnership with Gourdlandia continued beyond the workshop, strengthening the relationship between our organizations. During the spring semester, Hortus Forum members had the opportunity to visit their farm and learn more about the process of growing, harvesting, and preparing gourds for carving. Through this experience, members gained a greater understanding of small-scale agriculture and the work involved in transforming a crop from the field into a finished craft.
We hope to continue building this partnership with Gourdlandia in the future by creating more opportunities for Hortus Forum members and the broader Cornell community to explore sustainable agricultural practices, creative plant-based crafts, and the many ways plants can bring people together. From growing plants in our greenhouse to creating art from agricultural materials, this collaboration reflects Hortus Forum’s mission of expanding plant education and inspiring a deeper connection with the natural world.
During the workshop, members learned about the process behind growing and preparing gourds for craft. From their cultivation in the field to the drying and curing process that allows them to become durable materials, we explored the many stages that turn a simple agricultural crop into a functional piece of art. The event introduced students to a unique form of sustainable craft and demonstrated how plants can connect agriculture, creativity, and everyday life.
The evening provided a relaxing opportunity for members to step away from the greenhouse and enjoy a different kind of hands-on plant experience. Working together, members shared ideas, helped one another with designs, and created one-of-a-kind pieces while learning about the history and versatility of gourds. The workshop highlighted the importance of looking at plants from different perspectives and recognizing the many roles they can play in culture, sustainability, and creative expression.
This partnership with Gourdlandia continued beyond the workshop, strengthening the relationship between our organizations. During the spring semester, Hortus Forum members had the opportunity to visit their farm and learn more about the process of growing, harvesting, and preparing gourds for carving. Through this experience, members gained a greater understanding of small-scale agriculture and the work involved in transforming a crop from the field into a finished craft.
We hope to continue building this partnership with Gourdlandia in the future by creating more opportunities for Hortus Forum members and the broader Cornell community to explore sustainable agricultural practices, creative plant-based crafts, and the many ways plants can bring people together. From growing plants in our greenhouse to creating art from agricultural materials, this collaboration reflects Hortus Forum’s mission of expanding plant education and inspiring a deeper connection with the natural world.
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