There are amazing and beautiful plant and animal species that have wonderful relationships with each other and within the natural world – that is called ecology. Ecological Gardening has become a new trend in both personal and professional horticulture. But it is more than just a trend. Our gardens can be a place to ensure healthy ecological processes continue while being a dense microcosm of for us to be spectators of the activity. Learn how at Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens and other popular gardens employ various garden techniques and plant selection to establish beautiful naturalistic plantings to benefit thriving natural world.

Biography 

Tom Smarr has been the Executive Director at Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens since 2019. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies from Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania and a master’s degree in urban horticulture studies from the University of Washington in Seattle. He has worked for established institutions such as the University of Washington Botanic Gardens in Seattle and the Native Plant Trusts’ botanical garden “Garden in the Woods” in Massachusetts. Tom’s most notable work has been leading the early establishment of horticulture programs at newly opened urban parks such as the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway in Boston; the High Line in New York City; and The Parklands of Floyds Fork in Louisville, Kentucky.

About Jenkins

Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens is one of the region’s great horticultural and environmental botanical garden assets, conserving 48 acres, with over a mile of trails for visitors to enjoy a diverse plant collection that specialized in eastern North American plants. Jenkins holds a nationally accredited collection of rhododendrons, azaleas, and mountain laurels. Jenkins’ mission is to “celebrate the wonder of plants and place as a destination for education, conservation, and community connection”. Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens is in Devon, Pennsylvania and open every day of the year - always free of admission, with a garden shop and small art gallery.

Contact Details

Tom Smarr, Executive Director 

Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens 

tom@jenkinsarboretum.org

610-647-8870 ext. 153 office

617-852-5718 mobile