Free plant frenzy

Sadly, the Collegiate Plant Initiative has announced the termination of a student-run organization that organized dozens of plant giveaways on college campuses.

A statement on social media read, “After 5 years, we have decided to discontinue the CPI. We have no regrets for visiting lots of universities and giving away thousands of plants to college students at our PLANT DROPS, and we are proud of the scores of students we have helped get jobs and exposure to the plant industry. We thank all of our supporters and partners for being so good to us over the years! Unfortunately, due to travel restrictions, we have not been able to connect students to plants and the plant industry the way we do it best. On a positive note, all of our CPI students have finished up their degrees, and moved on to graduate school or career jobs! We wish them and all of you the very best!”

CPI began at the University of Florida and was made up of a core group of students who studying several types of disciplines, not just horticulture. The mission of the group was to expose college students to horticulture and ultimately create a group of people who love plants. They also strived to get more students interested in horticulture careers.

The group eventually spread to other campuses.

During plant drops, the group gave away 1,000 plants to college students, which generated a lot of buzz. Besides the plant, the group provided plant care education and explained why plants are important.

Plant drops were deemed a success, but two years into a pandemic with class cancelations and social distancing made things difficult.

The group also started an introductory plants class at UF, Plants Gardening & You, which had an impact on a student named Lydia. She shared this on CPI’s Facebook page: “This semester, I have felt especially restless being at home due to the pandemic, as I am sure most people are feeling. However, one thing that has been keeping me sane are the plants I have been growing and caring for this semester! This was my first time growing my own plants, and it has been such an enjoyable and rewarding process. This is something that I would definitely recommend all students try out, as it is a good de-stressor and does not take up an extensive amount of time in day-to-day life.”

CPI helped create the next generation of employees and consumers.

It saddens me to think this concept and all the work CPI put into it will just fade away. Is this something you could adopt in your community? Contact a nearby university or college, your suppliers and your customers, and present them with the idea to join you in a similar project.

The product you give away may spark a love of plants or encourage someone to become a frequent IGC customer or even your next employee.