Daily Archives: November 20, 2023


Rodney Eason Appointed Director of Horticulture and Landscape at the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University

William (Ned) Friedman is pleased to share that Rodney Eason has been hired as The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University’s Director of Horticulture and Landscape and will assume his responsibilities on December 4. A recognized leader and consummate professional in stewarding historical landscapes, Rodney brings more than a quarter century of experience growing plants and managing gardens to this pivotal role at the Arnold Arboretum.

Rodney comes from Land & Garden Preserve in Mount Desert Island, Maine, where he served as Chief Executive Officer and led efforts to transition 1,400 acres of land near Acadia National Park from private ownership to public garden. Rodney also guided the incorporation of the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Garden into the Preserve, a historic undertaking he detailed eloquently in a feature in Arnoldia last summer. Rodney’s extensive background in botanical garden management also includes serving as Director of Horticulture and Plants Curator at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens and as Display Division Leader at Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania.

You are invited to read more about Rodney’s accomplishments and his enthusiasm for joining the community in the  announcement of his impending arrival on the Arboretum website.


Landscape Architect Claude Cormier Dies at Age 63

Noted landscape architect Claude Cormier passed away in September from cancer. The Cultural Landscape Foundation published a tribute to his work and influence which is well worth the read. https://www.tclf.org/canadian-landscape-architect-claude-cormier-designer-innovative-and-playful-public-spaces-dies-63 His Massachusetts link was a year at the Harvard Graduate School of Design. TCLF is creating a video oral history about Cormier which it intends to release in 2024. Read about it HERE. He will be remembered as a great talent, and his public projects will, hopefully, be a continuing joy to those who visit them. Gardens as we know are ephemeral – do take the opportunity, if you are able, to visit some of these incredible spaces. Below: Love Park, Toronto, 2023 – Photo © CCxA