The Helen F. Faust Wyck Rose Garden Internship is a unique opportunity to gain horticultural experience in a historic rose garden. The Wyck Rose Garden, located in the heart of the historic Germantown neighborhood of Philadelphia, dates to the 1820s and is considered to be the oldest rose garden growing in its original plan in the United States. Four generations of Wyck women gardened here, and its plan reflects the Quaker value of simplicity. Included in the garden are several of the original rose plants from the 19th century design, as well as several rare, native plants that are possibly from before the earliest settlement in 1690. Several old roses in cultivation today had been thought lost until they were discovered growing at Wyck, and all specimens of these varieties in the trade descend from Wyck plants. Today, 70+ different heritage roses are grown at Wyck.
The Helen F. Faust Wyck Rose Garden Internship is a four month, paid internship program from March 1 through June 30. The Rose Intern works under the guidance of the Wyck Horticulturist. The focus of the internship is the care and propagation of old roses and their companion plants within the context of a historical landscape.
Responsibilities
• Pruning
• Weeding
• Mulching
• Fertilizing
• Propagation and care of cold frame plants
• Event participation
• Garden tours
• Volunteer management
• Record keeping
Eligibility
Current horticulture student, horticulture degree or certification, or at least 1 year of work experience in the field.
Schedule and Compensation
The intern is scheduled to work March 1 – June 30 on average 17.5 hours a week at an hourly rate of $10.00. Additional hours will be required during Wyck’s “Celebration of the Roses” in mid-May.
Application Deadline
January 31, 2015 — Send cover letter, resume and two references to Denise.
Helen Faust (1909-2011) was a dedicated educator, civic leader, and gardener who had a keen interest in the preservation of historic Germantown.
Notes From the Garden 