James Hearsum

Thursday, April 24, 9:30 am – 1:30 pm – The Boston Committee of The Garden Club of America Spring Lecture – TulipMania

by

The Boston Committee of The Garden Club of America will hold its Spring Meeting, Lecture and Luncheon on April 24 at The Gardens at Elm Bank in Wellesley. The meeting will include a lecture, lunch, and tour of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society’s 55,000 tulips in bloom. Mass Hort Executive Director James Hearsum will speak on Gardens as a Community Asset. James Hearsum is an accomplished horticulturist and leader with a proven track record of advancing botanical and community-focused organizations. From 2014 to 2019, he served as the Executive Director of St. Andrews Botanic Garden in Scotland, where he spearheaded transformative initiatives in guest experience, outreach, and education. Under his leadership, the garden established a sustainable Urban Farm, a Butterfly House, and a Community Hub, while also expanding its reach to previously underserved communities.

Since 2020, Hearsum has brought his extensive horticultural experience and dynamic leadership to the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, continuing to advance excellence in horticulture and community engagement.

Members of member clubs of The Boston Committee will receive an invitation. $35 lecture only, $60 lecture and luncheon. If you are not a member, you may consider joining The Garden Club of the Back Bay, which is one of the affiliate clubs.

Saturday, February 3, 10:00 am – In Conversation with Adrian Bloom

by

The Massachusetts Horticultural Society hosts a talk and book signing in early February which you won’t want to miss. Plantsman, author and designer of Bressingham Garden, Adrian Bloom, is coming to the Garden at Elm Bank, 900 Washington Street in Wellesley, on February 3, 2023. Learn about his career, projects including Bressingham Garden at Massachusetts Horticultural Society, and his new book, Foggy Bottom, which will be available for purchase and signing at the event! Coffee and Pastries included with registration.

9:30 – Check-in and enjoy coffee/pastries
10am – Adrian Bloom, in conversation with James Hearsum, MHS Executive Director
11am – Book Signing, purchase a new copy of Foggy Bottom and have it signed, before it’s released in the U.S.!

MHS members $35, nonmembers $40. Register at https://www.masshort.org/adrian-bloom-230203

James Hearsum Joins Massachusetts Horticultural Society as President and Executive Director

by

Effective January 14, James Hearsum became President and Executive Director of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society. Mr. Hearsum has been Executive Director of St. Andrews Botanic Garden in Scotland since May 2014. In the heart of St. Andrews, the St. Andrews Botanic Garden is widely regarded as a national treasure. Hearsum succeeds Suzanne Maas, who has been the interim head of Massachusetts Horticultural Society since the fall of 2018.   

As Executive Director of St. Andrews Botanic Garden, Hearsum has been responsible for renewal in all aspects of the organization’s guest experience, outreach, and educational programs, particularly by welcoming previously unreached communities. Notable developments include establishment of a sustainable Urban Farm, Butterfly House and Community Hub, in addition to a core focus on horticultural excellence. Prior to St. Andrews, Hearsum was Curator at the Royal Botanic Garden of Jordan.

A member of the Charted Institute of Horticulturists, Hearsum began his career in the UK as a working gardener and nursery manager before attending Writtle College for his undergraduate degree in Horticulture and the University of Cambridge for Practical Horticulture and Plantsmanship. He also was a participant in the Longwood Graduate Program in Public Horticulture in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania.