Memphis, TN, November 17, 2025 — The Memphis Botanic Garden is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Jonathan Caples as Director of Horticulture & Facilities, effective November 17, 2025. A passionate lifelong plantsman, Dr. Caples brings a wealth of horticultural expertise and a deep commitment to sustainable landscape practices to his new role at the Garden. His love for horticulture began early, inspired by his great-grandmother’s vegetable garden and his grandmother’s vibrant beds of zinnias; a foundation that has grown into a distinguished career dedicated to cultivating beauty, biodiversity, and ecological resilience.
Dr. Caples joins Memphis Botanic Garden from Juneberry Ridge in the central piedmont of North Carolina, where he served as Head Horticulturist for the 750-acre regenerative farm, hospitality venue, and nonprofit education foundation. There, he led teams in the integration of formal landscapes, natural areas, and conservation horticulture initiatives, bridging collections care with ecological stewardship. His work encompassed developing horticultural management protocols, implementing sustainable landscape designs, and collaborating across departments to advance biodiversity and environmental education.
A Texas native and proud Texas A&M University alumnus, Dr. Caples spent his five-year tenure dedicated to horticultural research, teaching, and education. He managed multiple experimental trials evaluating plant performance, ecosystem interactions, and conservation applications while instructing undergraduate courses in plant identification and sustainable landscape practices. During this same period, he completed his Ph.D. in horticulture with interdepartmental research that allowed him to work in both the horticulture and entomology fields, as well as conduct a consumer preferences survey regarding the likelihood to purchase and willingness to pay for various container and companion planting modules.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jonathan to the Garden’s leadership team,” said MaryLynn Mack, Executive Director of Memphis Botanic Garden. “His depth of experience in both scientific research and applied landscape management, coupled with his creative approach to sustainability, aligns beautifully with our mission to connect people with nature through horticulture, education, and community engagement.”
In his new role, Dr. Caples will oversee the Garden’s 96-acre living collection, 30 specialty gardens, and facilities operations. His leadership will play a pivotal role in advancing the Garden’s horticultural excellence and ecological initiatives as it prepares for a landmark 2026 season of growth and renewal.
“Public gardens are vital spaces where people and plants meet in meaningful ways,” said Dr. Caples. “I’m honored to join Memphis Botanic Garden at such an exciting moment in its evolution and look forward to cultivating new connections between people, plants, and place.”
About Memphis Botanic Garden
The Memphis Botanic Garden is a not-for-profit 501(c) (3) organization dedicated to being an exemplary center for horticulture and environmental enrichment. Serving over 40,000 school-aged children annually, and hosting 260,000 visitors each year, Memphis Botanic Garden strives to enhance lives by connecting people with nature, increasing awareness and appreciation of our environment.
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