When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, many people picked up new hobbies. For Kenny Henk, an MU junior, it was carnivorous plants that caught his eye.

Once Henk arrived at MU, he immediately sought out the Mizzou Horticulture Club. Coming out of a time where plants were what he had to lean on, finding people with a similar passion made his adjustment to college easier.

The Horticulture Club is one of the lesser-known clubs on campus, but the community it has created is one of acceptance and positivity. They strive to keep members included and involved, while building a space for everyone to express themselves and their love for plants.

“I have always liked plants, but my passion really struck in 2020,” Henk said. “I was at home and didn’t have a lot going on, and I decided to go into the rabbit hole of specifically carnivorous plants. I bought my first venus flytrap, Snippy Snappy, and it just kind of went from there.” 

Majoring in Plant Sciences, once he saw the greenhouse for the first time, he was sold.

“I walked in and I thought, ‘there’s so much potential here, this is a fabulous greenhouse,’”Henk said.  “It was a bit ambitious of me as a freshman, who had no greenhouse experience, only a heart and a dream.” 

Henk made the decision to submit a presentation to the Horticulture Club executives about why he should be greenhouse manager, and despite his lack of experience, they agreed. Since taking on this role, Henk has done many things to grow the club and create more opportunities.

“Since I came into the role I’ve had a big initiative to revive the greenhouse and the club,” Henk said.

Henk has been the greenhouse manager for a year and a half and has already made huge changes. Starting with aloe vera and a handful of succulents, over time he has added many new and exotic plants.

On alternating Thursdays and Fridays, Henk hosts an event called “Greenhouse Shenanigans,” picking a topic to discuss each meeting, such as propagation, taxonomy or other subjects members are interested in. This event also gives people the ability to take their plants in to repot them or ask questions about issues they may be having.

As Henk is nearing the end of his MU career and his time at the greenhouse, he has had to start thinking about what he wants to do in the future. 

“What would be a dream for me would be to open Missouri’s first carnivorous plant nursery and education center,” Henk said. “One of my big goals is to help make houseplant care knowledge accessible to people.”

While Henk may not have much time left with the greenhouse, the changes that he has already implemented have been major for the MU community. The growth of the Horticulture Club, the opportunities provided and the genuine desire to spread a love of plants are all things that Henk has done to improve our community. 

Henk urges people to check out the Tucker Greenhouse, available to the public Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Additionally, times for Greenhouse Shenanigans are located on the Mizzou Horticulture Club Instagram and MU Engage.

Edited by Ava McCluer | amccluer@themaneater.com 

Copyedited by Ava Mohrer and Hannah Taylor | htaylor@themaneater.com

Edited by Emily Skidmore | eskidmore@themaneater.com