DBG’s New Director of Horticulture

For immediate release June 10, 2019

Ray Sander, President of Delaware Botanic Garden (DBG) announced that the Board of Directors has appointed Brian W. Trader, Ph.D., as the new DBG Director of Horticulture and Deputy Executive Director.  Sander said, “We began DBG with a leadership Grant from the Longwood Foundation, and looked to Longwood Garden as our North Star in how to build and operate a world class public garden.  Dr. Trader has demonstrated that rare combination of intellectual expertise, administrative leadership and practical Horticulture experience.  He is also a mentor and teacher having served as Director of Domestic and International Studies at Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA.  He is the right person to take this key Horticultural leadership role at the right time as DBG opens to the public in September 2019.”

Brian Trader, Ph.D.

Dr. Trader holds a Ph.D. in Horticulture; M.S. in Life Sciences; and B.S.  Horticulture; all from Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA.  He is Chair of Membership Advisory Council, American Public Garden Association; and Board member, American Society for Horticultural Science.

Dr. Trader said, “I look forward to being a part of an exciting new public garden which has a clear vision and mission to serve and educate the public about the natural beauty and practical role of native plants in our environment.  It is very special to be at the beginning of a process of building and creating a unique series of gardens in the Delmarva region.  I would be remiss if I did not tip my hat to the many volunteers from Board members to Garden stewards and hospitality docents who have brought this new and fast growing public garden to life.”

Sheryl Swed, DBG Executive Director, said, “We are blessed to have a Longwood Garden veteran join our executive team.  Brian has all the experience and tools to help us to move this legacy garden forward.  This project is a success because of all of us, not just any one of us.  Our volunteers, friends, donors, staff and business partners are making it happen.  Creating a public garden from scratch is truly a team effort.  Brian will keep us on course and open a new chapter of creative leadership.

The 37-acre DBG will open the garden gates to the public in September 2019.  The crown jewel in the gardens is the 2-acre Piet Oudolf Meadow Garden, designed by this internationally renowned Dutch designer.

The mission of the Gardens is to create an inspirational, educational, and sustainable public garden in Delaware for the benefit and enjoyment of all.  The Delaware Botanic Gardens will celebrate the coastal plain with a sustainable garden that delights and educates visitors and inspires them to preserve Delmarva’s native landscape.