The National Collegiate Landscape Competition is a multi-day event where more than 60 teams compete in various challenges, including patio installation, plant identification, interior and exterior design, team leadership, and many others. The competition is hosted by a university, college, or technical school with a horticulture program and also features one of the largest career fairs in the United States. This event is invaluable for the opportunities it provides to students in their college careers—offering hands-on experience, internships, and potential employment opportunities.
Bailey Nurseries’ Brand and Business Development Manager Layci Gragnani attended the event and shared her experience with us. Here’s what she had to say:
I recently attended the National Collegiate Landscape Competition (NCLC) in Fort Collins, Colorado, and was simply blown away by the number of students so passionate about horticulture and their purpose at the event. There were 770 students from 56 schools participating in 30 different events, each showcasing their skills throughout the four-day competition.
I attended this competition as a student years ago, and I don’t remember it being this large, so it was exciting to see how much it has grown over the past two decades. First Editions® was among many sponsors at the career fair, which gave us the opportunity to speak with students one-on-one and learn more about their areas of study. Many were actively seeking internships or career advice. It was energizing to have those conversations and witness their enthusiasm. Some students were nervous about the upcoming competitions, while others appeared confident and ready to perform.
This event heavily depends on industry volunteers, so it was rewarding to contribute and observe students’ skills firsthand. I volunteered for the 3D Exterior Landscape Design competition, sponsored by Vectorworks, where students created their own landscape designs in a computer lab setting. I also assisted with the Woody ID and Exterior Installation competitions. It’s incredible to see students accurately identify the genus and species of a plant by examining just a twig or dormant specimen.
Overall, it was encouraging to see such passion among students and the strong involvement from industry professionals. While we may have been competitors in the same room at one point, we were all there for the same reason: to support and inspire the next generation in our industry.
Next year marks the 50th anniversary of the National Collegiate Landscape Competition, and we’re looking forward to participating again at Michigan State University!
The National Collegiate Landscape Competition is more than just a contest, it’s a celebration of talent, dedication, and the future of the green industry. Events like these not only highlight the skills and passion of emerging professionals but also strengthen the connection between education and industry. By investing in students and providing them with real-world experiences, we’re ensuring a vibrant and innovative future for horticulture and landscape professionals. We’re proud to support and be a part of this journey, and we can’t wait to see what next year brings.