A deep appreciation of the country shaped Michael Arnold's life. From his childhood on a farm in Ohio to his respected achievements at Texas A&M University, he not only promoted plants, but also knowledge, innovations and a permanent impact on students and communities.
Arnold, Ph.D.
Through teaching, research and public relations work, he has lived out the Land Grant mission-and to change landscapes and live on the way.
A childhood rooted in agriculture
Arnold grew up across the street from his grandfather's farm and helped with agronomic, vegetable, fruit and flower plants. He learned first -hand rhythms of the seasons – plants, tendency, harvesting and preparation for the next cultivation cycle.
“Agriculture was in the blood or another in the blood,” said Arnold. “That was our life and everything was about it.”
At the age of 12, he earned money that baleed hay and delivered flowers for a local florist before the holidays. For additional expenditure money, he attracted local eggs to neighbors and pumpkins, pumpkins and Calico corn to local grocery stores. When it was time to save money for college, he worked in the products and flower departments of a grocery store.
Find his calling
The path that Arnold applied for horticulture was not directly.
At Ohio State University, he first followed in front of the in -law and then switched to business administration, but found that he was missing something.
“In my last year I realized that I really missed agriculture,” said Arnold. “I always enjoyed the landscape of the horticulture, so I decided to combine my business with it and open a kindergarten. With another one and a half classes, I have a second bachelor's degree in horticulture.”
In order to achieve this goal during this period, he immersed in his horticultural courses, research for plant presumption and the students after lessons.
He realized that his true passion was not only in the cultivation of plants, but also in the next generation mentoring and the promotion of the science of the horticultural industry. Ultimately, this decision led to a master's degree in landscape garden construction from the state of Ohio and a doctoral student in gardening at North Carolina State University.
“Agriculture was in my blood in one form or another – that was our life and everything was about it.”
Michael Arnold, Ph.D.
Professor in the Department of Horticultural Sciences and Director of the Gardens
A legacy in teaching and mentoring
When Arnold came to Texas A&M in 1993, he not only accepted a job – he accepted an appointment.
“Teaching is part of what I was interested in graduate school,” said Arnold. “The effects you have on what the students learn and their potential for scientific development and successful careers is worthwhile.”
Arnold started teaching general landscape and construction courses. He now teaches all plant material courses about 100 students and a graduation course every semester. During his career, he worked in 125 doctoral committees, 25 of them as chairman or co-chair. He also has various positions for the administration of graduates and bachelor.
Arnold's effects on the leadership of thousands of students through their horticultural trip was in 2024 by the John Hecker family with the establishment of the scholarship by Dr. Michael A. Arnold recognized in horticulture.
The scholarship is awarded to incoming beginners and transfer students who are interested in Arnold's commitment and mentoring in honor of Arnold's commitment to teaching and mentoring. The first recipients will be announced this autumn.
“It was a total surprise and one of the most humble honors I had in my career,” he said.
Growth of knowledge through research
Arnold's research has advanced gardening, from improving container plants in landscapes to the examination of plant growth regulators in kindergarten and floric culture plants. It is the inventor or co-inventor of two plant variants and several plant releases. Arnold is also a board member of Texas Superstar Selection Committee.
His collaborative spirit has led to effective projects, such as The research paper from this project, which he wrote together, was published in Hortscience and received an American Society for Horticultural Science Extension Publication Award.
“The interdisciplinary approach available through the land grant system offers expertise that accelerates to find innovative scientific solutions,” said Arnold. “I am lucky enough to have the opportunity to work with some of the most creative, most intelligent scientists. Together we find solutions that are stronger than we would otherwise do.”
Connection with the campus and the community
One of the most valued titles by Arnold is the director of the gardens at Texas A&M University. For him, the gardens are more than a collection of plants at one of the largest locations in Texas – it is a lively classroom, a stroke for research and a bridge that connects the university with the larger community.
“In a way, the gardens are a physical representation of the land grant mission here on campus,” said Arnold. “It is a place where the power of horticulture will live alive-the student will experience practical learning, research researchers for the challenges of industry and combine families with the beauty and science of plants.”
Under his leadership, the guards have developed into an iconic travel destination for students, faculties and campus visitors alike. The Leach teaching gardens, the first phase of the gardens, has become one of the most important courses in the country.
More than just a calm garden for relaxing and reflection is a classroom outdoors in which the students gain experience with regard to horticulture, landscape design, ecology and plant sciences. The room is integrated into the academic tissue of Texas A&M and serves as a research place for pollinator studies, attempts to adapt for plants and sustainable urban landscape techniques.
Apart from academics, Arnold has worked to ensure that the gardens of the larger community serve. The volunteer program is committed by faculties, students, gardeners and nature lovers.
Collaborative programs such as the Agrilife Extension Brazos County Master Gardeners, Junior Master Gardeners and the Little Sprouts Club as well as regular seasonal events organized by the gardens serve to present children and adults in the miracles of horticulture.
Since the opening in June 2018, the gardens have welcomed tens of thousands of visitors every year. For Arnold, every visitor is the opportunity to arouse curiosity and to deepen the appreciation for the role of horticulture in everyday life.
Horticulture makes life better
Arnold believes that horticulture is more than a profession – it is a way of life, a source of inspiration and a means to achieve a permanent effect.
“Gärtner is about making life better,” said Arnold. “Your food, fiber and medication are derived from it. It is the tree under which you rest on a hot summer day, the fruits and vegetables that keep you healthy, the landscapes that feed your soul, and the flowers that make the milestones easier.
