Jason Eisner

The Horticultural Society of New York

Founded in 1900, and incorporated in 1902, with J. P. Morgan, Louis C. Tiffany, and J.J. Phelps among its earliest members, the goal of the Horticultural Society was to further the love and knowledge of horticulture through informative monthly meetings, formal lectures and seasonal flower shows. Today, over 100 years later, we are still growing a community of urban gardeners. Our development reflects the changes in urban horticulture itself, from a focus on specimen plants and ornamental gardens viewed alone in their majestic beauty, to a holistic understanding that plants and gardens are inexorably linked to the health of people, wildlife and our environment. At The Hort, we recognize the inter-relatedness and complexity of the "green" issues in our city, and therefore the core of our efforts is to educate and inform across the spectrum. We still help New Yorkers know plants and gardens as aesthetic wonders, but now our programs and projects encompass urban farming, rooftop gardening, container vegetable production, bio-remediation, storm water abatement, landscape design, vocational training, horticultural therapy and environmental literacy. The Hort improves human life through horticulture. -We create green spaces in all neighborhoods as a vital part of social infrastructure. -We train people for jobs that grow and sustain green communities. -We develop fresh approaches to improve New Yorkers' health, well-being, and environment through horticulture.