Anella named new director of The Botanic Garden at OSU

Monday, November 24, 2014

A professor at Oklahoma State University will be using what he has been teaching in the classroom in his new role at OSU.

Lou Anella, ornamentals professor in OSU’s Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, recently was named the new director of The Botanic Garden at OSU.

“I’ve been teaching public garden management since I came to OSU in 1997, and I’m really looking forward to this new challenge, in addition to continuing to teach some classes. One of my long-term goals has been to manage a public garden,” Anella said.

Anella said public gardens are about people, where a variety of programs and venues are available to the public. One way he hopes to enhance that is through strengthening the infrastructure of The Botanic Garden at OSU.

“It’s long been said The Botanic Garden at OSU is one of Stillwater’s best kept secrets, but I think wouldn’t it be great if it weren’t? This garden is a huge asset, not just to the department of horticulture and landscape architecture, but to the City of Stillwater,” he said. “I’m excited about getting more people involved in the garden and helping our residents recognize what’s here.”

Located west of town near Cow Creek and Stillwater Creek, The Botanic Garden at OSU is an oasis of thousands of species of herbaceous and woody plants set on about 100 acres. The garden also is home to many different research plots that are tended by faculty in the department of horticulture and landscape architecture.

In addition, the garden is home to the “Oklahoma Gardening” Studio Gardens, featuring a variety of display gardens. “Oklahoma Gardening” is the longest running gardening show on television, having been on OETA since 1975.

“The garden has gone through some wonderful changes over the past several years, including the new entrance from Highway 51, as well as the walking trail,” he said. “I would love to see a paved parking lot and road from the entrance to help make the garden even more accessible to the public. Developing a strong infrastructure is important for the garden.”

Kim Toscano, host of “Oklahoma Gardening,” has served as interim director of the garden for several years.

“Dr. Anella has been involved with The Botanic Garden at OSU for a number of years. He has served as curator of ornamental plants and served on the garden’s advisory committee,” Toscano said. “Having worked closely with Lou, I’m confident he will be a strong leader for the garden.”

Anella said he’s looking forward to continuing the momentum the garden has seen over the last several years.

“Kim Toscano and Laura Payne have been instrumental in getting more people involved at the garden. Their hard work and dedication have certainly contributed to the success of our outreach programs and other events that take place there,” he said. “I want to carry on with the many events and activities that get the public involved in the garden in an effort to continue that forward momentum.”

Anella earned both his doctorate and master’s degrees in floriculture and ornamental horticulture from Cornell University. He received his bachelor’s degree from Vassar College. He is a two-time recipient of both the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources Exemplary Faculty Award and the Regents Distinguished Teaching Award for CASNR.