Mark Stout: Horticulturist

Most of Mark Stout’s experience working with plants was mainly with botanical gardens. He knew that he wanted to spend the rest of his life growing plants, but he soon realized he wanted to learn the scientific side of plants. 

“I saw these small plants turn into beautiful, mature plants, colors changing, flowers appearing, different pollinators for different plants. And I just wanted to know why.”

Mark now spends his time studying every detail of plants as they grow. At the Netherlands Plant Eco-Phenotyping Center, he analyzes traits for plant breeding and studies roots through rhizotrons. 

There was a time when Mark felt like he was plant blind; but now, he’s constantly on the look out for them. 

“I found myself becoming obsessed with knowing every plant that was around me. And I really find that beautiful, how much life is in these plants.”

A film by Patrice Winfield.