Horticulture and Landscape Design programs should invite Gerry Kiffe to speak with their students! His deep knowledge and passion for horticulture make him an inspiring and engaging presenter. A certified horticulturist and former contractor, he connects students with real-world skills in plant design, business, and industry trends.
His enthusiasm is contagious, motivating students to explore careers in horticulture. With glowing reviews from students and professors, Gerry makes the field exciting, relevant, and full of opportunity.
Natasha Elliot, Instructor – Santa Barbara City College
“I just want to thank you for speaking in my class. As part of the final I asked students to explain their favorite parts of the class and the parts they found less helpful. Many of the students said you were one of their favorite parts of the class! “
Julia Pollex, Instructor – Merritt College
“Fabulous talk, Gerry! You are a horticulture rockstar! You should seriously be teaching ( a couple students said this, too). I’d take any class you taught!”
Lecture Topics
The Power of Plant Palettes
(For Garden & Planting Design Students)
Explore the evolution of traditional plant palettes vs. modern database palettes and how designers can organize and maintain plant selections.
Topics include:
- Macro and micro palettes
- Maintaining problem-solving lists
- Using templates for efficiency
- Nursery sourcing and native plant communities
- General plant organization and planting design aids
- How plant palettes evolve over time
Why should I choose Horticulture?
(For New Students)
Discover why horticulture is a vital and rewarding profession in today’s world.
This talk covers:
- The unique knowledge and skills of horticulturists in design and construction
- The beauty factor in human life and how plants impact well-being
- Trends shaping the field: native plants, water conservation, urban renewal, edible landscaping, and climate adaptation
- Key traits of successful horticulturists
How to start a small business
(For Anyone Business Savvy)
Thinking of starting your own landscape or horticulture business?
This session covers essential business insights, including:
- Why self-reliance and time management are key to success
- Understanding income potential, ethics, and mutual benefit in business
- Key principles: punctuality, honesty, competence, and fairness
- Branding, marketing, and tips for launching a successful business
- How fine gardening can be a stepping stone to entrepreneurship
- The importance of networking and joining trade organizations
About Gerry Kiffe
With over 45 years of experience in the Green Industry, Gerry Kiffe is a seasoned expert in horticulture, landscape design, and business development. His journey includes:
- Former Design/Build/Maintenance Contractor in Santa Barbara, CA
- Certified Horticulturist and APLD Member
- Software Developer for the Green Industry for over 25 years
- Engaged in personal contact with hundreds of industry professionals
- Guest Speaker in Horticulture Programs since 1989
Gerry brings real-world insights from decades of experience, inspiring students and providing them with practical tools for success in the industry.
Student & Professor Testimonials
Holly Yu, Student – Foothill College
“Your presentation today about beautifying neighborhoods, edible landscaping, and humanizing spaces really sold me on horticulture. I was hesitant, but your mantra stuck: ‘Little by little.’ Thank you!”
Joel R. Grogan, Professor of Environmental Horticulture – Santa Rosa Junior College
“I have been using PlantMaster as a tool for my classes for over five years. As a fellow horticulturist and plant ID professor, I can’t recommend this resource enough. I am constantly impressed by Gerry and the PlantMaster team!”
Xenia Froelich-Leon, Student – Santa Barbara City College
“Hi, I’m one of the students to whom you gave a presentation yesterday. Thank you so MUCH for the presentation you have us yesterday, it has been one of the most inspirational presentations I have seen. I really appreciate it. I took your advice and came up with a few new names for my landscape business. Although I’m just a student and learning, I would like to have my own.”
Contact Us.
If you’re interested, it’s worth having a quick conversation. We are flexible and can accommodate evening classes and regional time differences.
Please give us a call at 805.499.9689
Or send an email to support@plantmaster.com