After an extensive search, Descanso Gardens is pleased to name David Bare as its new Director of Horticulture. Bare, who has been the Gardens’ Display Horticulturist since 2014, will begin in his new role on Monday, August 5, 2019.

As Display Horticulturist, Bare has been responsible for designing, planting, and maintaining a wide array of container plantings and all seasonal display beds, including the spectacular and popular springtime tulip displays. He has furthered the Gardens’ mission of drought tolerant and site appropriate planting by expanding the collection of Australian and South African cultivars in display areas. In addition, Bare redesigned and planted the gardens surrounding the historic Boddy estate and Nature's Table, the primary elementary age children's interpretation site.

“We conducted a nationwide search for this position,” said Juliann Rooke, Descanso Gardens’ Executive Director, “talking to candidates with a vast array of experience, but David stood out by far. Millions have seen and enjoyed his work in the time he’s been at Descanso. David works hands-on with all the collections and knows the Gardens better than anyone. We are thrilled to bring his in-depth knowledge to this role.”

“I am very excited to be taking on this position,” said Bare. “Descanso Gardens is at a critical and crucial time in its history. Lots of important changes are going on and we’re headed in a wonderful direction. I’m so happy to be playing a part in the new plans. I love the saying, ‘Promote a sense of wonder.’ As Director, I really hope to promote a continual sense of wonder for visitors.”

“David is loved by staff and volunteers alike,” continued Rooke. “He’s a thoughtful collaborator with a huge creative spirit. I’m really excited about the prospect of partnering with him, and his entire department, on Descanso’s Master Plan over the next 15 years. I can’t wait to see what we come up with together.”

As Display Horticulturist, Bare has expanded and improved upon Descanso’s display program, opening lots of new areas into display. “We really developed and increased our tulip display this year,” continued Bare, “and I expect that will happen year after year. We want to move into new and unexpected areas including a stronger concentration on an Autumn display. At the same time, I’m interested in making sure all of our historic plants, such as the Heritage Oaks, are well-preserved and cared for. We need to keep an eye to preservation as we move forward.”

Bare joined Descanso from Reynolda Gardens in Winston Salem, NC where he was Greenhouse and Conservatory Manager for 12 years. There, he planned and maintained areas within the 100-year old conservatory and greenhouse range owned by Wake Forest University for educational use by elementary to college level students. He was also responsible for the introduction of new plants into the gardens and propagating a wide range of plant materials. During that time, Bare was also the Garden Columnist for Winston Salem Journal, writing a weekly garden column for the daily newspaper.