"The history of gardens is intimately linked to the history of man in many cultures, both West and East. Gardens connect us to place and offer an experience of immersion among living material that is always changing. Gardens are a refuge — precious, mysterious, attractive, a place to break away from the daily bustle of our modern world."

 — Elaine McGinn, Director of Planning and Exhibits, Desert Botanical Garden

Fellow Biography

Elaine McGinn first joined the Desert Botanical Garden in 1997 as exhibits coordinator, then director of exhibits and, since 2005, director of planning and exhibits. She has been involved in planning and executing the Harriet K. Maxwell Desert Wildflower Trail, the Marshall Butterfly Pavilion, the Sybil B. Harrington Cactus and Succulent Garden and the Berlin Agave Forest. Ms. McGinn, who is actively involved in the American Public Gardens of America, has helped bring a number of artists to the garden, including Dale Chihuly.

Field Notes

With the Piper Fellowship, Ms. McGinn will explore how social, cultural and horticultural trends influence garden design by examining firsthand gardens in Italy, Spain and in the United States. Her goal is to broaden her understanding of gardens of the Western world and use that heritage to reinterpret current practices of garden design at the Desert Botanical Garden. Specifically, she will research Renaissance gardens in Florence, Italy; Moorish gardens of Andalusia Spain, and regional gardens on the east and west coasts from early colonial gardens to contemporary urban gardens. McGinn will also attend the Center for Creative Leadership in San Diego.

Contact Information

Elaine McGinn
Director of Planning and Exhibits
Desert Botanical Garden
480.481.8174
emcginn@dbg.org
http://www.dbg.org

Download high res picture...