KENNETT SQUARE, PA — Longwood Gardens announced this week the appointment of Chris Cole as Vice President of Horticulture, effective May 13. With over three decades of international experience in the field, Cole is tasked with leading the garden’s extensive horticultural team, fostering innovative garden and landscape designs, and spearheading scientific research and land stewardship initiatives.
Cole’s recent tenure as executive director of Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria in Australia, comprising the Cranbourne Gardens and Melbourne Gardens, has been marked by significant achievements. Under his leadership, Melbourne Gardens not only attracted two million visitors annually but also implemented strategic initiatives focused on climate change and sustainable design, alongside delivering exceptional horticultural displays.
“Chris’s global perspective on horticulture coupled with his outstanding esthetic, strategic leadership, and project management skills make him an excellent addition to Longwood and to our outstanding horticulture team,” said Sharon Loving, Chief Horticulture and Facilities Officer at Longwood Gardens. Cole’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for Longwood, as the gardens are finalizing their most ambitious capital project in a century, Longwood Reimagined: A New Garden Experience, set to open in November.
Cole’s extensive background includes spearheading conservation and ecological planning projects such as the Climate Change Alliance of Botanic Gardens, a coalition aimed at tackling climate change impacts on gardens globally. Additionally, his leadership in the Working Wetlands project achieved a 40% reduction in potable water usage for irrigation at Melbourne Gardens, showcasing his commitment to sustainable horticulture practices.
“I am honored to join Longwood Gardens and help advance its legacy of horticultural excellence and innovation,” stated Cole regarding his new role. His extensive experience and visionary approach to horticulture promise to enhance Longwood Gardens’ mission and provide guests with unforgettable experiences.
Cole’s arrival at Longwood Gardens not only signifies a fresh chapter for the institution but also highlights the importance of sustainable and innovative landscape management in the face of global environmental challenges. With Cole at the helm of the Horticulture Department, Longwood Gardens is poised to continue its tradition of excellence while pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of botanical garden management and conservation.
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