Congratulations to Andrew Bunting, our Curator

We want to take a moment to congratulate Andrew Bunting for winning the 2012 Professional Citation award from the American Public Gardens Association (APGA) and the Certificate of Merit from the Pennsylvania Horticulture Society (PHS) this summer. These awards recognized his significant achievements and contributions to the horticulture field.

Andrew Bunting and Claire Sawyers, director, discuss our boxwood trails. photo credit: R. Robert

Andrew has been the curator of the Scott Arboretum since 1993. In his time here, Andrew has overseen the computerization of approximate 5,000 plant records and tracking of approximate 10,000 woody plant with GPS. He has certified our Magnolia Collection, Holly Collection, and Oak Collection with the nationally recognized North American Plant Collections Consortium (NAPCC) of the APGA. The James Frorer Holly Collection has also been designated as a National Holly Arboretum by the Holly Society of America. Through Andrew’s leadership, we also participate in the National Boxwood trials. Our collection is constant expanding and being evaluated to discover and promote the great plants for the Delaware Valley gardener because of his passion and curiosity.

Andrew answering gardening questions during the Plant Sale. photo credit: D. Mattis

In addition to his curatorial work, Andrew shares his considerable plant knowledge through classes taught at the Scott Arboretum, such as Horticulture Seminar on Flowering Trees for Summer this March, and seminars given to Organization members of the Scott Associates.

Andrew Bunting leads a tour through the Magnolia Collection. photo credit: R. Robert

In addition to his efforts at the Scott Arboretum, Andrew is president of the Magnolia Society International, vice-president of the Delaware Center for Horticulture, and vice-president of the Swarthmore Horticulture Society. For PHS, he serves on the Design & Horticulture and Flower Show Executive committee, chairs the Flower Show Gardener’s Studio group, and is the past co-chair of the Flower Show Horticulture Classes. He currently serves on the NAPCC committee for APGA as well.

Andrew helping clean-up the Holly Collection. photo credit: Scott Arboretum Archives

Through these numerous achievements it is easy to see why APGA gave him the prestigious award of Professional Citation. This award recognizes the significant achievements in public horticulture of an individual member who has excelled in one of the disciplines generally associated with public gardens such as botany, horticulture, gardening, conservation, research, education, extension, development, or administration. Andrew embodies the awards ideals of great skills, innovation, and potential.

Andrew leads a tour through Terry Shane Teaching Garden. photo credit: E. Haegele

PHS gives its Certificate of Merit to an individual(s), organization, institution, or business corporation for outstanding contributions to (or achievements in) horticulture or horticultural activities, including the Philadelphia Flower Show, Philadelphia Green, and PHS volunteers.

Always quick with a laugh. photo credit: D. Mattis

Thank you to Andrew for all that you do at the Scott Arboretum and for the field of horticulture.