WINTERTHUR, DE — Chris Strand, CEO of Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library, has been named an honorary member of the Garden Club of America (GCA), a distinguished recognition awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to horticulture and conservation. Strand was one of four honorees inducted at the GCA’s annual meeting on April 28 in Ponte Vedra, Florida.
Strand’s career has been defined by his ability to connect people with gardens. His notable accomplishments include revitalizing Winterthur’s 60-acre naturalistic garden and its surrounding 1,000 acres of meadows and woodlands, as well as introducing initiatives that preserve the vision of founder Henry Francis du Pont. From planting new generations of iconic Sargent cherry trees to balancing historic preservation with current environmental challenges, Strand has cemented his reputation as a dedicated steward of horticulture.
“Gardens are fragile,” Strand noted in an interview, emphasizing the importance of maintaining du Pont’s design against changing climates and evolving plant life cycles. Strand’s leadership at Winterthur began in 2005, and in 2021, he became the first director to rise through the organization’s ranks to the role of CEO.
Strand’s induction as an honorary member of the GCA, a distinction shared by only 400 individuals since 1916, reflects decades of impactful work. His previous roles include directing Green Spring Gardens in Virginia and leading outreach programs at Harvard University’s Arnold Arboretum. He holds a master’s in Public Horticulture Administration from the University of Delaware and a bachelor’s in Environmental Biology from the University of Colorado.
Addressing the GCA’s members, Strand expressed gratitude for the honor. “Gardens are more than collections of plants; they are living classrooms, sources of inspiration, and bridges between humans and the natural world,” he said. He extended an invitation to visit Winterthur and experience the gardens, echoing the words of du Pont, who was also honored by the GCA in 1956.
This recognition not only celebrates Strand’s contributions but highlights the enduring legacy of Winterthur’s gardens as living symbols of horticultural excellence.
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