AT THE GARDEN — Senior staff

Awards and Honors

Professional Award, American Horticultural Society, 2007

Horticultural Commendation Award, Garden Clubs of America, Zone XI, 2007

Special Recognition Award, Garden Writers of America, 2003

Publications

As executive vice president and director of the Chicago Botanic Garden, Kris Jarantoski develops and directs the horticulture, plant collections and Garden operations. On the staff since 1977, Mr. Jarantoski has played a major part in the creation of every one of the 23 gardens at the Chicago Botanic Garden.

In 2007, the American Horticultural Society presented Mr. Jarantoski with its Professional Award for his significant contributions to the field of horticulture. In presenting the award, Society President Tom Underwood noted that Mr. Jarantoski "will be joining a list of true horticultural heroes — outstanding people who have made a difference in American horticulture."

A long-time member of the American Public Garden Association, Mr. Jarantoski serves as chair of the Awards Committee and as a member of the Collections Committee and Design and Planning section. He also served as Midwest Regional Coordinator for APGA and has written numerous articles for American Nurseryman, The Public Garden, The Herbalist and Museum News.

Mr. Jarantoski also serves as a Member of Steering Committee of the Garden Conservancy.

In addition to leading all horticultural efforts at the 385-acre Garden, Mr. Jarantoski has participated in research efforts evaluating, selecting and hybridizing dieback shrubs to improve their suitability to the Chicago area.