Christine Jackson, I am the current Commercial Horticulture Agent in Osceola County. Below is a small glimpse into my background.
Upbringing :
Hailing from Central Kentucky. In a small town named Versailles (pronounced Ver-sales) we are a whole lot country. Growing up in the rolling hills I spent lots of time outside with my brother. We also spent summers in Mississippi on dad’s catfish farm.
This is where I discovered my love for the land, soil, water, and air around us. I learned young to appreciate what the soil can provide for us. And how important it is for us to preserve what we have for the future.
On the other hand, my mother loved her flower garden. My brother and I spent many summers helping in the multiple gardens around our home, and cutting grass for the community to make extra funds.
Upon finishing high school, I started my undergraduate work at Kansas State University with a focus on Agronomy.
The following year I transferred to Mississippi State where I changed degree focus to Horticulture with the concentration of Floriculture and Ornamentals.
Post Graduate :
Shortly after graduating, I relocated Fort Washington, MD for a senior internship at a organic and sustainable tree and container nursery.
When completed, I moved to across the Potomac River to Occoquan, VA where I joined BrightView Landscaping as an Account Manager. Here I worked with crew and clientele in the DMV area. With over 55 commercial properties in my portfolio by the time I left.
3 and a half years and 2 big nor’easter snow storms later, I moved to North Mississippi to pursue a greenhouse manager position for a non-profit, here I grew all bedding plants, as well as poinsettias.
Shortly after the pandemic. I was forced moved back home to Central Kentucky. Started graduate school. Focusing on a masters in Environmental Studies, which I am still working on. While in school I worked full time with Kentucky State University as a Assistant in Urban Agriculture Research and Extension. During this time a lot of things happened and changed which eventually let me here to UF, as your new Commercial Horticulture agent.
Hobbies:
In my free time, my 7 year old puggle Mabellene and I love to travel, hike, kayak, camp, go to the beach and more. She is my true ride-or-die partner.
I am currently in the process of planning some great programming for the fall that I hope you all will enjoy and want more of!
Please do not hesitate to reach out to me or our office for updates and information.
I am looking forward to meeting all of you!
-Christine Jackson
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