Student Spotlight: Raymond Cater, Professional Gardener Student
Hello, my name is Raymond Carter. I haven't always known what career path I would like to traverse, and so, with an open mind and an affable attitude, I followed fate through circumstance down numerous avenues. I have studied acting and ballet, journalism, photography, English and creative writing. Over the years I have learned much about different cultures and various industries, but despite that personal growth, in time I found that I was using my skills without passion. That is when, for the first time in my life, I began to imagine a way to combine all of my greatest joys and all of my acquired abilities into a cohesive career.
Helping to grow, protect and preserve not only the tangible beauty of gardens, but also the ideological beauty that they represent is the best way I can imagine to combine my passion with my ambition. Green spaces within a community represent a commitment to growth, imagination, and unity; everything I believe in. I am very excited to be beginning the next chapter of my personal and professional development as a Professional Gardener Student here at Longwood.
What is your favorite plant?
I could no sooner choose a favorite star in the heavens, but I do tend to lean towards lush, verdant tropical plants.
What is your favorite Garden? What is your favorite part of Longwood?
There is a garden atop Montserrat in Bogotá, Colombia that is simply breathtaking in the spring, with sweeping mountain vistas in every direction and thoughtfully planted blooms in a winding path up to the summit, where a small white Chapel perches as close to heaven as I’ve ever been. I also love the Jardin des Plantes in Paris, the sculpture and botanic gardens in City Park of New Orleans, and the memory of exploring my grandmother’s garden as a child. The only place in the world that comes close to combining all of those experiences together is Longwood Gardens.
Within Longwood, I think my favorite spot is in the Tropical Terrace in the conservatory, though I do love the Wisteria Garden in Spring, and a stroll through the golden leaves of autumn on the Forest Walk.
What is the best part of being a student?
The best part of being a student is being immersed in a community of so many talented and impassioned individuals. It makes learning a fabulous adventure every day!
What is your background in horticulture (or whatever field you are in)?
I spent the last year and a half working as a part time horticulturist assistant in the Conservatory here at Longwood, while also working as a groundskeeper for a small nonprofit art school close by. I have also worked in florist shops, nurseries, and as a fine gardener for a landscaping company. All of this is relatively new, however, as I was previously an events coordinator.
Why did you want to come to Longwood and what do you think helped you get the position?
From the first time I visited Longwood, I wanted to be a part of it, and learn from the gardeners who could take my breath away. I think that my obvious passion and the opportunity to demonstrate my work ethic in being employed part time aided in my acceptance to this position.
What do you do at work? Highlight your favorite project or what you do day-to-day.
Truly, even with the best laid plans, no two days ever look exactly the same for a Gardener on this property. Projects are directly related to the current season, and my favorite among them are the projects that come with a level of creative control.
What are your future plans or what is your intended career path?
I hope to become a glasshouse / conservatory gardener, but I know all too well the way the winds of change can blow, so I hesitate to adhere to a path more specific than that so early on in my education.
With my mentor and friend, Joyce.
A constant in the life of any gardener: watering.
Found my true home in a plant bed.
Longwood’s social media gave an inside look to Christmas Changeover and I was featured!
Photos and article by Raymond Carter, Professional Gardener Class of 2019
