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INTRODUCING THE NEWEST CERTIFIED PLANT PROFESSIONALS
Gina Albaugh, MNLA Executive Director The Certified Plant Professional program is designed to improve the professional qualifications of those working in the horticultural industry. To gain certification, candidates must be knowledgeable in a wide variety of subjects, including plant identification, soils, fertilization, turfgrass management, proper planting techniques, landscape design and more. The exam consists of two separate segments; a plant identification portion and a written portion. The exam is based on the Certified Plant Professional manual, and on practical information gained from experience in the industry. Successfully passing the plant ID portion requires identification of the correct genus, species, common name, and cultivar (if appropriate) for each plant. The written portion of the exam is 200 questions on principles and practices of virtually all aspects of the horticulture industry. Those that achieve the Certified Plant Professional designation are recognized as experts in their field. We’re excited to announce that three individuals recently “leveledup” in their careers, by earning their Certified Plant Professional credentials at the Fall Tour exam! Please join us in congratulating them:
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Devon Malizia, Gardenwerks
Devon is employed at Gardenwerks, in Helena, MT, and passed both the written and plant ID portions of the exam during the Fall Tour offering in September. While describing the reason behind deciding to pursue certification, Devon shared, “I am passionate about utilizing ecological design to create beautiful and sustainable landscapes that benefit the health and longevity of our natural ecosystems. I also love educating people about how they can incorporate waterwise, native and pollinating plants into their environment.”
Amaia Sangroniz, Cashman Nursery
Amaia successfully completed the written portion of the Certified Plant Professional exam during coursework offered at MSUBozeman, then followed up with a passing score on the written portion in September. Amaia is currently pursuing a master’s degree in
Sustainable Food and Bioenergy Systems at MSUBozeman, and is employed at Cashman Nursery in Bozeman. Amaia tells us, “I am passionate about sharing my love for plants through community education, and empowering people to reconnect with our natural world through both wild and built landscapes. I have chosen to be in the horticulture field as it allows tangible opportunities to shape local landscapes in support of biodiversity and ecological resilience. As climate change impacts continue to present themselves in our community, we can use plants to support our own community resilience and food security through the planting of edible, locally adapted, and drought-resistant plants.”
Elena Johnson, Gardenwerks
Elena has been diligently pursing the CPP designation this year, first by successfully completing the written portion of the exam at the Montana Green Expo in January 2022, then rounding out the effort with a passing score on the written portion at this year’s Fall Tour in Helena. Elena says, “I love working with plants and people. The horticulture field connects people to plants, offering opportunities for us to understand and be in relationship with the world around us while also making it a more beautiful and nurturing place to live.” We wish all of the newest Certified Plant Professionals continued success in the horticulture industry! Interested in gaining certification? The next exam will be offered on January 5th, 2023 in Missoula, MT during the Montana Green Expo convention. This is one of only two times per year the exam is offered. Scan the QR code, or visit www.plantingmontana. com/certification for more information.
