We would like to thank our generous underwriters who made this Special Issue of Public Garden possible: USDA Agricultural Research Service, Bartlett Tree Experts, Mount Auburn Cemetery, and The Arnold Arboretum. Further appreciation goes to members of the Plant Collections Network Committee who helped shape this issue, Nationally Accredited Plant Collection™ holders who contributed articles, and advocates from throughout Plant Collections Network who lead the field in excellence.

Supplementary content for this issue:

Bringing Scientific Oak Collections to Life for Garden Visitors

By: Emily Griswold, Director of GATEways Horticulture and Teaching Gardens, University of California Davis Arboretum

(Shared with permission from the International Oak Society)

Survival and Performance of Cultivated Woody Legume Species in Yuma, Arizona

By: Matthew B. Johnson, Program Manager and Curator, Desert Legume Program

(Shared with permission. Previously published in Desert Plants, vo 31, no 2, February 2016, published by University of Arizona for Boyce Thompson Arboretum.)

Acer griseum in Cultivation and in the Wild

By: Anthony S. Aiello, Gayle E Maloney Director of Horticulture and Curator of the Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania

(Shared with permission. Previously published in The Plantsman, December 2016, and provided courtesy of Royal Horticultural Society)

Testimonials for Plant Collections Network:

“Plant Collections Network has proven to be a noble cause in the horticulture world.  It is a way to recognize and legitimize significant plant collections and helps to narrow your focus and guide management decisions.  More importantly, it encourages collaboration among collection holders and makes it possible to preserve plant genetics which may prove useful for developing new cultivars or pest resistance.”   – Steven A. Wright, Director of Horticulture/Curator of Plant Collections, Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens

"Global plant conservation is one the most important roles a Botanical Garden and Arboretum can be involved in. Plant Collections Network is a great tool for a garden to participate in plant conservation and a great accreditation for grant funding as it has been for George Landis Arboretum in upstate NY."   – Fred Breglia, Executive Director, Landis Arboretum
“Plant Collections Network motivated us to develop and expand our small group of Kentucky coffeetrees  into an expansive wild collection. Our accreditation brings into focus the mission and purpose of our work at the arboretum.”   – Andy Schmitz, Director of Horticulture, The Brenton Arboretum