UBC Botanical Garden is excited to announce Allison Luke as the new Principal Instructor of our Horticulture Training Program.
Our Horticulture Training Program (HTP) is a comprehensive eight-month, full-time program designed to provide foundational skills, knowledge and experience for students looking to advance their career in horticulture, landscaping, urban farming, and more.
Allison is a Red Seal Certified horticulturist and a graduate of the Horticulture Training Program. She began gardening in 2007 and has honed her skill set at notable greenspaces such as VanDusen Botanical Garden and Queen Elizabeth Park. In 2019, she became the head gardener for The Arbutus Club and began teaching in the Residential Landscape Technician Program at Burnaby Community & Continuing Education.
As a horticulturist, teacher, and artist, Allison is passionate about all things plants and her curiosity as a lifelong learner informs her unique and down-to-earth approach to teaching. Allison equips her students with comprehensive technical and practical skills, preparing and inspiring them to find their own niche within the industry.
Before Allison, Egan Davis taught as HTP Principal Instructor for eight years. Egan is an award-winning horticulturist, lauded for his passion and enthusiasm for gardening and teaching. He has now moved on to become the Manager of Parks with the City of White Rock.
“I am excited for Allison to become the next Principal Instructor of the UBC Botanical Garden Horticulture Training Program,” says Egan. “Allison is a Red Seal Horticulturist who possesses the rare combination of field experience, leadership skills and natural teaching ability. It is the perfect time in the evolution of the program for Allison to join the UBC Botanical Garden team. Her ideas and enthusiasm will contribute to developing what is already an established and very special experience for students.”
UBC Botanical Garden welcomes Allison and looks forward to working with her to build a promising new chapter of the HTP program.
You can find more information about the Horticulture Training Program here.
Congratulations, Allison! UBCBG is fortunate to have you!