South Middlesex Times

At Rutgers University-New Brunswick, senior Josh Kover is set to complete his bachelor's degree in landscape architecture this May. His journey took a significant turn four years ago during the COVID-19 pandemic. "I think it was the perfect recipe of being stuck at home during COVID, wanting to be outside, wanting to move, wanting to build something, construct something," Kover said. He started his business, New Gen Garden, in September 2020 while attending high school remotely.

Kover's passion for landscaping began when he revamped his backyard. "I developed a love for landscaping by redoing my backyard," he shared. Starting with jobs for friends and community members, Kover's business has evolved. Initially focusing on all-electric lawn care, it has now shifted to planting design and installation using ecological best practices. "It's developed significantly because of what I've learned in school the past few years," Kover explained.

Josh Kover plans to continue his education by joining a master’s program in landscape architecture under Rutgers' four-plus-one program. Frank Gallagher, director of the environmental planning and design program within the Department of Landscape Architecture, describes Kover's unique qualities: "Josh's innate curiosity and strong land ethic leads him in a thousand directions, all at the same time." Despite challenges like dyslexia and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, Kover remains motivated. "I've outgrown the need for them as I've learned skills to adapt," said Kover regarding accommodations from the Office of Disability Services.

Kover's interest in science leans towards application rather than research. "I've always enjoyed science, but I don't really have any interest in being a researcher and doing field work and whatnot. What I'd much rather do is application of science," he said.

He applies this knowledge through his business that operates in Maplewood and the village of South Orange, New Jersey. "Throughout my entire short career in landscaping, I've never used gas-powered equipment," Kover stated, emphasizing a community-friendly approach.

Kover stays engaged at Rutgers, where he is active with various academic and extracurricular activities. Working as an intern for Rutgers Institutional Planning and Operations since June, Kover collaborates with Rutgers' landscape architect, Brian Clemson. "He's motivated, he's driven, he thrives on inquiry," Clemson said, noting Kover's collaborative spirit and constant quest for understanding.

Kover's work includes serving as a guest lecturer in a dendrology class, where he introduced students to concepts like afforestation and the Miyawaki method of reforestation. "I ran them through what was ultimately a design exercise," he said.

His efforts have been recognized with a merit award from the New Jersey Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects, highlighting the impact of his George H. Cook honors thesis. "I have not known many students whose G.H. Cook honors project have made a difference on the land," said Gallagher. "Josh's project will."