Tom Soulsby is the senior horticulturist for the Rose Garden, Heritage Garden, and Linden Allée. He is responsible for curating and maintaining a collection of more than 5,000 roses in one of the largest public rose collections in the country. Described as compelling and inspiring, his artful seasonal Heritage Garden annual designs maintain an inherent boldness which highlights his passion for horticulture excellence.  

As a lifelong gardener, some of Soulsby's best horticulture education has come from practical hands-on gardening that included working as a child alongside his dad. His love of gardening carries over to his own home.  

Before pursuing his passion for public horticulture, Soulsby was a director at a global financial institution. He has a bachelor of science from Bradley University, where he earned his degree in business management and administration. He earned his formal horticulture credentials at the Joseph Regenstein, Jr. School of the Chicago Botanic Garden. Soulsby has been honored with the Garden's Employee of Distinction award and as an Outstanding College First Mentor.  

Soulsby is also responsible for both supervising and coordinating the horticulture of  diverse group of Garden teams including the Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden, Model Railroad Garden: Landmarks of America, and Spider Island. He manages detailed, complex horticulture projects and collaborates with Garden designers on exhibitions such as The Orchid Show, as well as other seasonal program themes.  

Soulsby is an instructor at the Regenstein School. He is also the local manager and a judge for the American Garden Rose Selections™ rose evaluation program, as well as a rose evaluation collaborator with Star® Rose and Plants.