Two Notable Industry Retirements

Chris Beytes

Robert Bowden is retiring after nearly 30 years as the Executive Director of Leu Gardens in Orlando, Florida. Previously, Robert was the Director of the Atlanta Botanical Garden, Director of Horticulture at the Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis and the Director of Horticulture at Old Westbury Gardens on Long Island.

What will he do after retirement? Continue teaching several horticulture classes in the Science Department at Valencia State College, at Leu Gardens and in the community, among other more relaxing things.

Dr. James Klett has announced his retirement from teaching at Colorado State University, where he's been on the faculty for more than 40 years. Dr. Klett, Professor and Extension Landscape Horticulture Specialist, was named the 2022 recipient of the American Horticultural Society’s Teaching Award, which is given to an individual whose ability to share his or her horticultural knowledge with others has contributed to a better public understanding of the plant world and its important influence on society. GT