Russ Plowman

Russ Plowman serves as Senior Lecturer of Horticulture and Garden Director of the TTU Horticultural Gardens at Texas Tech University's Department of Plant and Soil Science within the College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources.

He received his B.S. (1983) and M.S. (1985) in Ornamental Horticulture from Texas Tech University and joined the Department of Plant and Soil Science full-time in fall 2013. Currently pursuing his PhD in Horticulture, Plowman has significantly expanded the Floral Design program from 20 to 160 students annually since it became a core curriculum creative arts class in 2017, with projections reaching 800 students per year.

His research focuses on selection and enhancement of native plant species, horticultural plant trial selections, and developing lavender as a viable cropping alternative for the Texas High Plains. Through the Ornamental Horticulture Research Group, he emphasizes sustainable landscapes using plant materials that require minimal water, fertilizer, and pest control chemicals while maximizing environmental benefits.

Plowman teaches Principles of Horticulture, Arboriculture, Floral Design, and Garden Center and Nursery Management courses. As Garden Director, he oversees the university's horticultural facilities that support both educational and research missions, providing valuable hands-on learning opportunities for students while serving as a community resource for horticultural knowledge and sustainable practices.