Longwood Gardens executive director on OSU campus Oct. 2

Friday, September 19, 2014

The executive director of one of the country’s premier botanical gardens will present a public lecture at Oklahoma State University Oct. 2.

Paul Redman, a graduate of OSU’s Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, oversees Longwood Gardens, a 1,077-acre display garden in Chester County, Pennsylvania. He will be at the Wes Watkins Center auditorium to present “Longwood Gardens: Every Place Tells a Story” from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

Redman grew up in McAlester and received both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in horticulture from OSU. He has been working and studying in the field of public horticulture for more than 20 years.

As executive director of Longwood Gardens since 2006, Redman oversees all aspects of the display garden, including its 400 full- and part-time employees, more than 700 volunteers and $50 million annual budget. Considered one of the world’s great gardens, Longwood welcomes more than 1 million guests each year.

Ron Elliott, interim head of OSU’s Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, said the department is looking forward to having Redman return to campus.

“It’s wonderful to see one of our alumni achieve such tremendous success in the field of public horticulture,” Elliott said. “We’re very proud of Paul’s many accomplishments and the leadership he provides within the national and international public garden communities.”

Under Redman’s leadership, Longwood Gardens has adopted a culture of planning to maintain responsible growth. Due to an immersive and ground-breaking strategic planning process, a renewed direction was set and a visionary site master plan has been developed to guide Longwood for the next 40 years and beyond. Through diversification of its programming, Longwood has increased general attendance more than 25 percent, and has built a membership program that has increased more than 200 percent in just six years with more than 50,000 member households. Modernizing the organizational structure continues to be one of Redman’s priorities.

Beginning in October this year, Redman will lead Longwood Gardens as it embarks on the largest project in its more than 100-year history. New Heights: The Fountain Revitalization Project encompasses a complete restoration and enhancement of Longwood’s historic and renowned Main Fountain Garden, built in 1931. The revitalization will include innovative new fountain designs, energy efficient lighting, and enhanced garden areas for guests to enjoy, all in keeping with its original old-world charm. The project is slated for completion in 2017.

Some of Redman’s recent honors include the 2012 CEO of the Year by the Chester County Chamber of Commerce, Business and Industry, and 2014 Frazier Lecturer by the American Society of Horticultural Science. In addition, he currently serves on the Boards of Directors for the American Public Gardens Association and The Garden Conservancy.