Southeast Missouri State University’s horticulture program had its roots decades ago in fruit and vegetable production. Today, the program is branching out to appeal to students interested in greenhouse management, landscape planting and design, turfgrass, and the burgeoning bio-engineering field. Southeast's new Charles L. Hutson Horticulture Greenhouse is making this expansion possible. The 11,660-square-foot greenhouse is located on a six-acre plot west of the University's new softball fields at Bertling and Sprigg, with access from Bertling. The complex also features an 1,800-square-foot head house or work facility, which is serving as a preparation area for mixing soil and sterilizing pots. The new state-of-the-art greenhouse facility is giving students experience by being involved from planting to sales and is a response to a surge in interest in plant life science and bio-engineering, according to University officials.