Dr. Richard Olsen, Director, U.S. National Arboretum

Recognized as a leader in public horticulture, Dr. Olsen was named Director of the US National Arboretum (USNA) in 2015. Prior to his promotion at the USNA, he was a research geneticist and the Arboretum’s lead scientist where he focused on developing pest and disease-resistant urban landscape trees. This important work – including travel around the world to find and develop new plants for commercialization in the U.S. – continues to benefit America’s nursery and landscape industry.

Space limited
Free

The Phoebe Cook Lecture series is co-sponsored by the Memphis Garden Club, a member of the Garden Club of America, and Dixon Gallery and Gardens. This series provides an opportunity to bring outstanding speakers in horticulture, conservation, and floriculture to Memphis. The series was established and endowed by the late Phoebe Cook Welsh in memory of her mother, Phoebe Cook. Gifts from Welsh’s family, the Memphis Garden Club, and friends in the Memphis community continue to fund this series.