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Meet The Tulip Expert
Mary Hockenberry Meyer
Extension Horticulturist and
Assistant Professor
University of Minnesota
1) Any childhood memory that was important in guiding you into your occupation?;
how did you become interested in this Field?
I recall planting potatoes and sweet corn with my father. I was amazed at how one
little kernel of corn could grow into a stalk with usually two ears with thousands
of kernels. I think at one point I attempted to count the kernels. When I got to
several hundred I quit!! The wonder of reproduction and propagation has stayed with
me ever since!!
2) Any person, role model or leading authority that greatly influenced you? (a
parent, 6th grade teacher, scientist etc...)
My father was a farmer, an agriculture and science teacher. He was a great role model
and saw my fascination with horticulture even before I could pronounce the word.
3) Your background:(job title, profession, education/training etc...)
Assistant Professor at the University of Minnesota, BS, Ms, PhD in
Horticulture.
4) Favorite work story or experience: (One of your most exciting, memorable, or
exhilarating experiences in the Field!
The time I taught an Extension class on indoor plants and was trying to repot an
asparagus fern and could not get the plant out of the pot !!!! I ended up breaking
the pot with a hammer and found a huge root ball, badly in need of repotting.
5) What advice can you provide to a student who might be interested in working
in your occupation some day?
Get a job in a nursery, greenhouse, golf course, on a vegetable farm, or in a flower
shop. Get some practical experience and see which part of horticulture you want to
learn more about.
6) Any family members, including pets?
I have two daughters, 15 and almost 17. My husband is a banker and loves to play
golf. We enjoy family vacations sightseeing and visiting gardens, and sometimes we
all play golf.
7) Favorite book(s), Favorite food(s), Any hobbies?
I do love to garden, but usually do most of that with my research projects; I love
to cook and read recipes and play bridge. My daughters sometimes accuse me of "having
no other life than plants".
* For more information visit:
Dr. Mary H. Meyer
Extension Horticulturist &
Assistant Professor
University of Minnesota
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
3675 Arboretum Drive
Chanhassen, MN 55317
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