In an era of climate change, biodiversity loss, and growing disconnection from the natural world, the need for strong, innovative horticultural leadership has never been greater. The next generation of horticulturists must not only possess deep plant knowledge and sustainable land stewardship skills but also the vision and courage to experiment, engage with local communities, and adapt to a rapidly changing environmental landscape.

Western Hills Garden (WHG) is uniquely positioned to cultivate this next cohort of leadership. Located on three acres in rural West Sonoma County, California, WHG houses a historic collection of over 750 individual trees and thousands of woody shrubs, ferns, bulbs, and perennials. The garden has set a high standard for horticultural excellence, innovation, and education since its founding in 1959. Generations of botanists, landscape designers, and plant enthusiasts have honed their craft here, with many going on to make significant contributions to the field.

A defining characteristic of WHG’s history is that every steward of this land began as a novice—driven not by expertise, but by curiosity and an unyielding desire to create something extraordinary. From its founders, Lester Hawkins and Marshall Olbrich, to subsequent caretakers Maggie Wych, Joseph Gatta and Robert Stansel, Chris and Tim Szybalski, and now Hadley Dynak and Kent Strader, each wave of caretakers had little horticultural knowledge to begin with, yet left a legacy that continues to inspire.