Paul W. Meyer

Remembering Paul W. Meyer (1952–2023):
A Statement From Executive Director Bill Cullina

With the passing of Paul W. Meyer, the retired F. Otto Haas Executive Director, I would like to celebrate his lasting legacy at the Morris Arboretum & Gardens.

It would be no overstatement to say that during Paul’s 43-year tenure at the Morris, 28 years as its leader, he transformed a quiet garden on the edge of the city into a vibrant, world-class public institution that now welcomes more than 170,000 visitors per year. 

Paul began his career as the Morris’s curator and director of horticulture, developing a keen understanding of its mission and day-to-day activities while deepening his appreciation of the power of public horticulture. During this time, he oversaw the clearing of overgrown sections of the garden and the renewal of the living collections through expeditions to China and Korea. In 1991 after a nationwide search, Paul was selected to become the Arboretum’s new director. He was chosen for his vision, talent, leadership, and charisma to inspire staff and donors to raise the Morris Arboretum to the level of beauty and inclusion that its founders, John and Lydia Morris envisioned.

Paul was a keen believer that research and education are foundational elements of the Morris’s mission. Under his direction, the Morris built its botanical staff and its reputation for regional floristic studies. Paul’s love of learning (and travel!) was evident in his 12 expeditions to countries such as China, Korea, Taiwan, Armenia, and the Republic of Georgia, where he collected plants to help increase genetic diversity, including plants that will grow in stressful urban conditions.

Paul was also passionate about inspiring future generations of public garden leaders. Paul and his wife, Debra (Debbie) Rodgers, personally endowed two funds at the Morris that have been supplemented by contributions from other individuals in his honor: The Paul Meyer and Debra L. Rodgers Study-Travel Endowment and the Paul Meyer and Debra L. Rodgers Historic Preservation Endowment Fund.

But Paul’s influence wasn’t just felt by those in Philadelphia. His groundbreaking work in horticulture has been recognized the world over. Most recently, in 2022, he was awarded the Veitch Memorial Medal, an international prize issued annually by the Royal Horticultural Society in Great Britain. First issued 152 years ago, the prize is awarded to "persons of any nationality who have made an outstanding contribution to the advancement and improvement of the science and practice of horticulture." It is widely considered to be the most prestigious honor for those in our profession.  I think we can all agree that speaks to the far-reaching effect Paul has had on the world of horticulture.

Paul put his stamp on every inch of the Morris Arboretum & Gardens. From the carefully preserved historic features to the iconic visitor experiences and the curated and meticulously tended living collections, Paul’s love and commitment to the Morris is felt in every acre. We give Paul our deepest thanks for leaving us this beautiful, irreplaceable public garden. As his successor, I am proud and humbled to be able to walk in his footsteps.

Read Paul W. Meyer's obituary 

Make a contribution in Paul's memory