Six “garden professionals” have been selected by Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, to participate in the Longwood Gardens Fellows Program, continuing a legacy of developing global leaders in horticulture that began in 1958.

The Fellows are Shawna Jones (Santa Fe, New Mexico); Abra Lee (Atlanta, Georgia); Becky Paxton (Carrboro, North Carolina); Mae Lin Plummer (Charlotte, North Carolina); Barbara Wheeler (Dunedin, New Zealand), and Nanette Wraith (Blandford Forum, United Kingdom). They will begin their studies at Longwood in June.

“We are excited to welcome the incoming cohort to the Longwood Gardens Fellows Program,” said Tamara Fleming, Director of the Fellows Program. “The impressive qualifications of these talented professionals, combined with the diversity of their professional backgrounds, is not only a testament to the program, but to the viability of the public horticulture industry as a whole.”

During the 13-month residency at Longwood, Fellows delve into topical issues relevant to public horticulture today such as leadership, organizational behavior, board relations and governance, communications, and other relevant business-related content. A two-month field placement provides a deeper understanding of these issues, equipping Fellows to lead organizations into a vibrant and sustainable future. Alumni of the Fellows Program join the prestigious Society of Fellows, a global network of public garden professionals.

The aim of the Fellows Program is to build leadership capacity within the public horticulture industry.

Longwood Gardens encompasses 1,083 acres of gardens, woodlands, meadows, fountains, a 10,010-pipe Aeolian organ, and a four-acre Conservatory. (Yes: the Orchid Extravaganza is on now through March 24, 2019.)

(Photo courtesy of Longwood Gardens)