Former TV host Bryce Lane thrives on passion for plants

Gardening is not only a hobby, but a passion for many involved in the Department of Horticultural science here at NC State. One of these plant connoisseurs is Bryce Lane, an undergraduate professor and former undergraduate coordinator in the department. Graduating from the University of Massachusetts and attending graduate school at Ohio State University provided Lane with a solid education and background in horticulture. Lane has taught at NC State for 35 years and, although retired, continues teaching about what he is most passionate about: plants.

As a high school student, Lane first started working with plants at his part-time job at the Hadley Garden Center in Massachusetts.

“I picked that job for one reason only, and that was because I loved being outside,” Lane said. “As a kid growing up, and as a Boy Scout, I grew up being outside. I learned about plants on the job and the second thing I learned was that I love talking to people about plants.”

Lane was intent on becoming an assistant manager at the garden center, but was pulled aside by his undergraduate adviser at the University of Massachusetts, who told him he had qualities that would make him a strong educator.

“He saw something in me I didn’t even see in myself,” Lane said.

After graduating from Ohio State University with a master’s degree in ornamental horticulture in 1981, Lane was offered a teaching position at NC State.  

Lane was inspired by many botanical gardens over the years.

“I think one of the first botanical gardens I ever visited was called Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania,” Lane said. “It was like the Disney World of horticulture. When you go there, it’s awe inspiring.”

According to Lane, it’s important to get involved outside of the classroom to see plants.

“Horticulture is such a visual thing, it’s an applied science where the only way you’re going to expand your classroom knowledge is to get outside and get involved in opportunities to see as much horticulture out there as you can,” Lane said.

Lane’s daughter, Sarah Ivy, attended NC State and graduated in 2003. She majored in horticulture, as she was exposed to it from a young age. She enjoyed having her dad as her professor for a few of her classes. Ivy watched her dad follow his passion by immersing himself into the world of plants.

“It was familiar to me, and I knew it was a great department to be a part of,” Ivy said. “I didn’t know what I wanted to do long term. He loved horticulture from a young age. God gave him the gift of gab and he used his mouth to do good things. Some people work to live, some people live to work.”

Lane incorporated many hands-on learning experiences into his classes to further enrich his students’ perception and knowledge of horticulture. His classes frequently take trips to see horticulture.

“As a teacher, it’s my responsibility to gather up as much information as I can and also to show students how they can improve their knowledge along with showing them where they can get more information,” Lane said.

“In the Garden with Bryce Lane,” Lane’s three-time Emmy award-winning public television show, aired for 11 seasons on UNC-TV. His show was meant for his distance-education students as well as the public. In 2003, NC State paired up with UNC-TV and produced the show.

“The show itself was patterned after the class that I teach,” Lane said.

“In the Garden” was filmed at his own home, as well as at the JC Raulston Arboretum.

“Who would ever have thought, when I first started gardening there, my home would become a set for a TV show?” Lane said.

Lane says teaching helped prepare him for television, as it was good public speaking practice. After retirement, Lane continues to teach one class each semester at NC State, as well as a few night classes at the JC Raulston Arboretum.

“I am working with extension information technology, helping to train agents,” Lane said. “I have many part-time opportunities that allow me to use the skills I have learned over the years.”

Lane recently attended a leadership seminar on horticulture in Oregon where he spoke on the subject. He enjoys teaching students how to become successful gardeners. He states three simple rules to abide by in order to reach this goal.

“First, if you understand the science of how plants grow, then you’ll grow better plants,” Lane said. “You won’t kill as many and more plants will thrive. For somebody who wants to learn about gardening I would also go spend more time in gardens, the JC Raulston Arboretum is one and a half miles from campus.”

Many students have toured the Arboretum for his class, “Home Horticulture,” which offers many ways to learn about the science of gardening and provides opportunities for growth as a gardener.

“There are countless gardens you can visit in NC and get that exposure,” Lane said. “Secondly, I would take a class to learn the gardening basics. Third, plant something. The worst thing that could happen is the plant would die. To me, this is one of those hobbies where you need to start doing. For me, I got the practical knowledge first and book knowledge after.”

He plans to continue teaching and spreading knowledge on what he is most passionate about. Along with being a successful professor at the university, he is also a grandfather to six and hopes to help his grandchildren to find their passions as he so luckily found his.

A version of this article appeared in print on Sept. 15, 2016 on page 9 with the headline: “Professor thrives on passion for plants.”