From your old favorite azalea, to your new favorite hydrangea, the National Arboretum's plant breeding and exploration programs have contributed to diverse and sustainable American landscapes. Our success comes from our comprehensive collections, and through collaboration and exchange with our peers, including the Morris Arboretum. Learn how these efforts as well as exciting new initiatives continue to expand the relevance and impact of the National Arboretum. Richard T. Olsen is currently the Director of the United States National Arboretum, a collections-based public garden. For the last decade, he has been a research geneticist guiding urban tree breeding and plant genetic resource programs at the National Arboretum.
