Aberdeen Bird, Seasonal Greenhouse Gardener

Biography

I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work in three different departments at the Arnold Arboretum. I started as a plant production Hunnewell Intern at the Dana Greenhouses in 2024 where I learned woody plant propagation skills and best nursery practices. I then took up a role at the Weld Hill Research Facility, joining the plant technologists in caring for the research and teaching collections. I’ve since returned to the Dana Greenhouses as a Seasonal Gardener and have also worked in the landscape as part of the Horticulture Crew. Seeing these different sides of the Arboretum has given me a unique perspective of the inner workings here and a deeper appreciation of how much effort goes into creating such a special space.

I grew up working on my family’s vegetable farm where I managed our agricultural greenhouses and have explored other commercial growing operations including time spent at a lavender farm and culinary mushroom farm. My woody plant care experience began when I was a gardener at a private fine gardening company, but I feel a much stronger calling in public horticulture.

When I’m not at the Arboretum, you can find me trail riding my bicycle, making art, or reading. I feel lucky to have a behind-the-scenes peek into the world of public gardening and to be surrounded by knowledgeable and curious plant people.