Sposato manager earns Certificate of Merit in Landscape Design from Longwood Gardens

Heather Spencer, a residential maintenance manager at Sposato Landscape in Ocean View, has earned a Certificate of Merit in Landscape Design from Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pa. “I can’t believe it’s finally over and I did it,” said Spencer, a Rehoboth resident.

Spencer completed the course, which is part of the Continuing Education Program at Longwood Gardens, in two years. It included classes in plant identification, sustainable landscape design and drawing, which was her favorite class. “I knew about trees and shrubs but didn’t know how to draw. Now, I can draw them on a design properly. I also learned how to read grading and elevations.”

A bit of serendipity led Spencer to her profession. She was studying geography in college, but a counselor advised against it. ”She told me I didn’t seem to have a passion for geography. Here I was, a senior, and she threw me for a loop. She asked me what classes I enjoyed most and I said `ornamental horticulture’. I knew I would have a career working in the plant world.” She eventually got her degree from the University of Delaware in plant science.

Spencer, who has been at Sposato since 2014, said she decided to go to Longwood Gardens to increase her knowledge and skills in the areas of horticulture and landscaping. “I worked for another landscape company before coming to Sposato. They used to throw a lot of projects at me, and I got experience on the fly. I learned a lot in that type of environment. I worked in service, production and installation. I used to put together plant packages for new homes.”

Spencer admitted that it took a large commitment of time and money to pursue the certificate. It cost her about $3,000 for tuition, books and art supplies. That didn’t include the gas it cost for the weekly four-hour round trip from Rehoboth Beach to Longwood Gardens and back.

Although there was no urgency to complete the courses in two years, Spencer said she was determined to get it done. “Longwood Gardens is the Harvard of landscape design in continuing education. Longwood Gardens is known around the country if not the world. So I decided I would take on the commute and go to the best. The instructors and supporting staff at Longwood are incredible.”

“It has been a pleasure having Heather in our program,” said Matthew Ross, coordinator of Continuing Education at Longwood Gardens. “She provided great insight as an active horticulture professional and great enthusiasm. Making the time for the commute, scheduling her courses and finding time to complete her assignments on time is not an easy task while juggling work responsibilities and deserves acknowledgment. I hope that her passion and dedication is contagious and is a testament to the importance of professional development in the horticulture industry.”

Longwood Gardens is one of the premier display gardens in the United States and has exotic plants, horticulture events, and seasonal and themed attractions. Encompassing 1,077 acres of gardens, woodlands, meadows, fountains, and a 4.5-acre conservatory, Longwood continues the mission set forth by Pierre S. du Pont to inspire people through excellence in garden design, horticulture, education and the performing arts.

Spencer also thanked her fellow Sposato managers who looked after her properties when she had to leave for school. “My partners at work were a lot of help. If I had to leave for class, I would ask them to check up on my crews to make sure everything was OK.”

Spencer said her education is not complete. “I think it’s important to continue to build my skills,” said Spencer, who is planning to get her Delaware Nursery Professional certification next. “I’m not done. I believe you learn differently as you get older. Learning keeps you fresh and engaged. It also helps me in my current position in the company. Clients want enhancements to their landscapes. They want better lines of sight on their properties. I’m more equipped to do that now. I think I add more value to my job.”

“You have to be impressed with Heather’s determination to get this done,” said Sposato founder Tony Sposato. “I think we all need to constantly work on developing our skills and knowledge.”