By Lynette Cox
Magnolia Collection at Bernheim Forest and Arboretum Receives Accreditation from American Public Gardens Association
Bernheim Forest and Arboretum is pleased to announce its Magnolia Collection has been granted National Accreditation by the Plant Collections Network (PCN) of the American Public Gardens Association (APGA). The Magnolia Collection at Bernheim joins the Nationally Accredited Magnolia Multisite Collection governed by the PCN Magnolia Curatorial Group.
One of the most popular collections in the 600-acre arboretum, the Magnolia Collection consists of 161 total accessions, representing 81 taxa. The first magnolia trees were planted at Bernheim in the 1960s and expansion continued through the 1990s.
“The accreditation of our Magnolia Collection is a proclamation of our intentions to conserve both ex-situ and in-situ Magnolia populations, with emphasis on the five Magnolia native to the region, including Magnolia fraseri, Magnolia acuminata, Magnolia macrophylla, Magnolia tripetala, and Magnolia virginiana,” explained Hannah Hunt, Plant Records Coordinator at Bernheim Forest and Arboretum.
Achieving accreditation from the Plant Collections Network is a significant milestone for Bernheim Forest and Arboretum’s Magnolia Collection. It showcases the institution’s long-term commitment to plant conservation, research, and public education within the botanical garden community.
As a recipient of this esteemed accreditation, Bernheim joins a select group of gardens, arboreta, and zoos that have committed themselves to the conservation and care of specific plant collections curated at the highest professional level. This demonstrates excellence in plant collections, sustainable practices, and educational initiatives. This recognition further solidifies Bernheim’s position as a premier destination for horticultural enthusiasts and conservation advocates.
Bernheim plans to expand native Magnolia plantings in the Arboretum, including Playcosystem, the 17-acre natural playground and L+A+N+D: an experience of discovery.
“These areas are a great opportunity to add new and interesting Magnolia taxa to our collection,” explained Renee Frith, Director of Horticulture and Sustainable Landscapes at Bernheim. “The recent revitalization of our ever-expanding Nursery operations provides us valuable space to propagate, grow, and share Magnolia with partner agencies as well.”
With warmer weather and the arrival of spring, the Magnolias are starting to bloom at Bernheim. Blooming typically goes through June based on which species or cultivar is in bloom. The peak bloom time is typically the first week of May.
In addition to preserving plant material in the Arboretum, Bernheim is expanding educational programming that explains the importance of biodiversity, preservation, and the role of Arboreta in the world of genetic conservation. New programs being launched for spring include an Accessible Arboretum Tour on May 16 and an Edible Garden and Nursery Walk and Talk on May 9. Information about these programs can be found at Bernheim.org/events.
About the Plant Collections Network
The Plant Collections Network is a program of the American Public Gardens Association in cooperation with the USDA-Agricultural Research Service. The Network stewards diverse living collections at public gardens across North America to safeguard plants and share them with the world. Known for excellence and high curation standards, the Plant Collections Network uses the collections for education, demonstration and research.
