Jen Kettell
Horticultural Technologist
125 Arborway
Boston, MA 02130
Phone: 617.384.5602
Fax: 617.524.1418
Email
Education
BS University of Massachusetts, Amherst
After fleeing a career in human services, I came to the Arnold Arboretum as a Hunnewell Intern in 2003. I was hired as a horticultural technologist in 2005, overseeing the Leventritt Shrub and Vine Garden. After several years, I found that I missed the more natural, “wilder” parts of the Arboretum and have now happily transferred my responsibilities to the care of the junipers, dwarf conifers, hickories, Bussey Brook, and other mixed collections.
In the winter, I teach winter pruning and offer a snowshoe tour of the dwarf conifer and juniper collections for our adult education program. In Garden Plants Great and Small (offered in the spring), we explore unique woody plants on the diminutive side. I also teach Woody Vines for the Garden in spring, showcasing the twining plants that send cascades of blossoms over stone walls, trellises, and fences.
I am a certified arborist serving on the Executive Board of the New England Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture. Along with three other women, I am also one of the founding sisters of the Women’s Tree Climbing Workshop. This 2-day workshop introduces women to safe tree climbing techniques and various types of climbing gear. We offer this course each fall and it includes expert training, continuing education credit, overnight camping, yoga, and amazing meals created by our very talented caterer.
Apart from the wide world of plants, I can be found practicing yoga, kayaking, or baking bread in my kitchen.