The Nature of Gardening at the New York Botanical Garden

The New York Botanical Garden is a vital link between the preservation of historic, picturesque landscapes and the development of sustainable future cities. Just as it preserves legacy designs, including the Peggy Rockefeller Rose Garden and other spaces that highlight the work of early 20th-century landscape designers such as Beatrix Farrand and Marian Coffin, over the last 20 years it has restored approximately 150 acres of landscape while completely changing its gardening practices to balance horticultural beauty with environmental responsibility. Todd Forrest, Head of Horticulture at NYBG will discuss NYBG’s role as a National Historic Landmark, and provide insight into how thoughtfully designing, planting, and tending great gardens might be our most effective approach to repairing the damage we have done to nature. We are pleased to present this program in recognition of America 250. 

Todd Forrest is Arthur Ross Vice President for Horticulture and Living Collections at The New York Botanical Garden. The 2026 recipient of the Garden Club of America’s Medal of Honor, he oversees the team of managers, curators, and horticulturists who steward the Garden’s natural landscapes, plant collections, gardens, and glasshouses and develop its celebrated horticulture exhibitions. An advocate for historic trees and forests in urban landscapes and public gardens, Forrest’s writing is featured in several books including Gardening with Nature at the New York Botanical Garden, Oak: From Seed to Ancient Tree, The Magnificent Trees of The New York Botanical Garden, The Trees of North America: Michaux and Redoute’s American Masterpiece,and Ancient Trees: Portraits of Time. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Wesleyan University and a Master of Forest Science from Yale University’s School of the Environment.