About Matthew
Matthew Fleischhacker grew up gardening in Chugiak, Alaska. At Longwood Gardens, he worked in perennial planting, conservatory care, collaborative displays, and teaching.
From Alaska gardens to public horticulture
Gardening in Alaska
Matthew grew up gardening in Chugiak, Alaska. He grew vegetables, worked with greenhouse plants, took part in local fairs, and completed Alaska Master Gardener training.
Professional horticulture at Longwood Gardens
At Longwood Gardens, Matthew worked in plant production, conservatory and outdoor horticulture, an individual practicum garden, and collaborative displays. He also helped with plant sales and teaching.
Garden observation in Germany
- Black Forest and Todtnau
- Insel Mainau near Lake Constance
Matthew visited gardens in Germany as part of his horticultural study.
Public horticulture in Singapore
- Gardens by the Bay
- Jewel Changi Airport
Matthew traveled with his Longwood class to study public horticulture in Singapore.
Read about the Singapore study
Growing for the Alaska State Fair
For about a decade, Matthew entered flowers, vegetables, berries, and herbs in the Alaska State Fair.
In 2023, Matthew grew a 27.5-pound cabbage for the Alaska State Fair.
Now at Delaware Valley University
Matthew is completing a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture at Delaware Valley University, with graduation expected in December 2027. His current work includes research on white-flowered mountain harebell in Alaska, alongside continued study of plant production, garden design, and horticultural practice.
His earlier experience ranges from growing vegetables and working with greenhouse plants in Alaska to planting, fabrication, production, and teaching at Longwood Gardens. He brings those experiences together through close observation and practical work with plants.
Current areas of practice
- Planting design
- Plant production
- Perennial gardens
- Conservatory horticulture
- Cold-climate growing
- Alpine plant research
- Teaching and collaboration