What’s your job? is a series focused on the work of FP&M employees. As the largest and most diverse nonacademic unit on campus, it can be challenging to learn everything our division is responsible for. These stories shine a light on FP&Mers and what they do to keep campus safe, sustainable and successful.
In Fall 2024, two FP&M marketing and communications student interns shadowed Grounds greenhouse gardeners in FP&M Physical Plant Services to dig into their daily routine. Follow along as they uncover the roots of the team’s work and cultivate a deeper understanding of the impact these employees have, both above and below the surface.
It’s a brisk October morning on UW-Madison’s campus, but in the Physical Plant Grounds greenhouses, nestled just off of Observatory Drive between Hiram Smith Hall and the Soils Building, we find a warm escape from the cold Wisconsin temperatures.
Before entering the greenery, we encounter a small office area and hallway that connects each greenhouse. Inside is a team of greenhouse gardeners who design most of the annual flower displays on UW-Madison’s entire campus, plus the residences of the Chancellor (Olin House) and the UW System President (Brittingham House). Here, we meet gardeners Patti New, Matt Ahrens, Steve Skinner and Ethan Clark (horticultural technicians) and Building and Grounds Supervisor Bob Scott.
These gardeners are the hands behind much of the memorable planting and landscapes we see across campus: the “W” flowers outside of the Humanities Building, the ferns at each commencement ceremony, the bright tulips that burst in the spring on Bascom Hill and more. The gardening team is constantly working on new designs, gathering inspiration during the warm summer months when they travel through campus to water plants and maintain beds.
Most universities have landscape architects who create landscape designs for their campus, even designing the annual displays as well. While FP&M does employ landscape architects, UW–Madison is unique in that its current team of four gardeners not only create their own annual display designs but also plant and maintain them.
Bob says this method works well because the gardeners know the growing conditions of these beds the best. Gardeners create the designs and compile a list of the plants they’d like to use while Bob takes care of sourcing and ordering.
The work that goes into these signature displays boils down to science and sustainability. A large part of the gardeners’ work goes towards maintaining stock plants to propagate new cuttings. This allows them to essentially recycle the plants they use.
In spring, a variety of planting is from these cuttings, some of which are not always readily available through suppliers.
In the winter and early spring, the team uses cold frames behind the greenhouses to house plants. These sunken boxes are made of concrete and plexiglass. Heated by steam pipes, these cold frames provide extra space when the greenhouse fills up, allowing the team to keep production going. By moving pansies and other more cold-tolerant plants to the cold frames, more room is available indoors for plants that need more protection.
Beyond planting, each team member’s responsibilities shift significantly with the changing seasons. According to the gardeners, every day is different, and they are constantly on the move, which keeps their work interesting.
As we visit, the gardeners are in the middle of working on hedging: clearing out gardens, seasonal pruning and raking leaves to prepare campus for winter and maintain the grounds. It’s one of the activities that the team does as a group, and they enjoy the opportunity to work side-by-side.
As a dynamic team, the gardeners frequently rotate tasks and collaborate on various projects, while also having individual responsibilities. Ethan focuses on maintaining off-campus properties, such as the residences of the UW System President and UW-Madison’s Chancellor, handling upkeep of the gardens and natural areas.
Matt and Steve manage a large area bordered by Park Street, Frances Street, Dayton Street and Lake Mendota. Their work includes cleaning up leaves, trimming grasses and perennial plants, and collecting trash.
Patti enjoys crafting designs for future planting projects.
“I like taking a scratchy little crayon drawing and making it appear,” Patti said.
With so many tasks to manage each day and throughout the season, Bob plays a key role in keeping everything organized. Growing up on a farm, he has always had a passion for plants and horticulture. As the Building and Grounds Supervisor, he coordinates each gardener’s schedule and ensures they have the resources and time needed to complete their work. Bob shared that he enjoys the balance of hands-on tasks alongside administrative duties, noting that there’s always something to be done.
Patti, Steve, Matt and Ethan all come from a variety of career backgrounds. Some always knew they wanted to grow their careers in gardening, landscaping, or agriculture, while others found their way to bloom in this field over time.
“Growing up, I saw my dad work on a lot of outdoor projects,” Matt said. “I loved seeing the outcome and finished product, and I enjoy physical labor.”
Despite the physical demands of their role, every team member expressed they enjoyed getting their hands dirty in the gardens. They attribute this to the nature of the work and the supportive team environment, which makes it feel less like a job and more like a fulfilling career.
“If you’re going to work so much of your life … find something you really like,” Steve said proudly.
Ethan added that he is very passionate about native plants and perennial landscapes and that there are all kinds of opportunities to work on those things in his position. He looks forward to restoring and improving the health of the land and being able to see what he has planted grow.
As for Steve, he recalls that when he’s planting pansies and mums or taking care of the plant beds, people will approach and say, “‘You have the best job!’” He says he gets a lot of similar kind words from people around campus.
“First and foremost, my favorite part is working with the people that are here because they have the same goals and outlooks as myself,” Bob said.
“A lot of satisfaction comes from being able to design and see things come to life,” Patti added.
If you ever see one of these employees out among the garden beds, roundabouts or other various planting spots on campus, be sure to say hello!
Want to learn more about the Grounds team? More information is available on the Physical Plant department web page.
By: Kate Reuscher and Anna Krawczyk
Anna was a strategic communications student intern with FP&M Marketing & Communications. She graduated from UW-Madison in December 2024 with Communications and Psychology degrees and certificates in Digital Studies and Science Communication. Anna worked at FP&M from October 2023 through the completion of her undergraduate career.
Kate was a strategic communications student intern with FP&M Marketing & Communications. She is a junior majoring in Journalism and Strategic Communications with certificates in Digital Studies and Digital Media Analytics. Kate worked at FP&M in the spring and fall of 2024.