Driving the Future of Horticulture
The Horticultural Research Institute (HRI) drives industry innovation through research, student support, knowledge sharing, and leadership growth.
Fueling Innovation and Future Leaders
HRI, the AmericanHort education foundation, funds and aids strategic horticultural research efforts with direct input from industry professionals.
It is the strong foundation that supports all segments and professionals working in horticulture:
- Nursery and greenhouse growers
- Retail garden centers
- Landscape companies, exterior and interior
- All who have an interest in the success of plants and managed landscapes, such as landscape architects, arborists, urban foresters
Generous donations make it possible for HRI to develop and support research efforts to protect and advance horticultural communities. Some HRI funded research has helped produce:
- New pest and disease management practices
- Increased automation/mechanization
- Production and management practices
Upcoming tHRIve
Bee Banquet in the Sky: Trees and Shrubs for Urban Pollinator Conservation
This talk covers why bees are critical for biodiversity and food security, why bee populations are declining, and how the gardening public can help by incorporating woody landscape plants to provide nectar, pollen, nesting sites and materials, and other resources.
From Chaos to Contentment: The Making of a Garden
Research Investment
HRI has developed a strategic vision for the future of horticultural research investment, supporting industry businesses by investing in four strategic areas:
- Quantifying plant benefits
- Gathering consumer insights
- Creating innovative solutions
- Producing practical and actionable solutions
Over the next five to seven years, research that quantifies, evaluates, or creates positive impacts in these four areas will be prioritized to receive research funding.
Learn more about funded research and HRI.