Experienced Horticulturist Jim Martin Joins Magnolia Plantation

CHARLESTON, S.C. — Seasoned horticulturist Jim Martin has joined Magnolia Plantation & Gardens as director of horticulture. Martin has 35 years of experience in public horticulture and is a recognized leader and visionary in the fields of horticulture, garden management, and design.  
Martin will oversee the plantation’s vast gardens, setting a direction that both honors Magnolia’s horticultural history and promotes a garden aesthetic fitting for today’s garden experience. He’s tasked with redefining core areas of horticultural importance based on past collections and future interests in horticulture.

Martin will set the educational direction in gardening, horticulture and other art-based fields at Magnolia. And he will oversee design, development and renovation of both current and future gardens. 

Martin will draw on his extensive experience as director of horticulture for Riverbanks Zoo + Botanical Garden, Mepkin Abbey, and Brookgreen Gardens in South Carolina. More recently, Martin served as executive director and program director of the nonprofit Charleston Parks Conservancy. 

Martin has a bachelor’s degree in ornamental horticulture from Clemson University and is a highly respected member of the horticulture and garden community in South Carolina.

“The gardens at Magnolia have such a rich and important history,” Martin said. “I’m excited to find ways to marry the garden’s horticulture history with new experiences that keep visitors and locals coming back time and again. My passion for public gardens made this role a perfect fit. I’m looking forward to casting a vision for Magnolia where people, place, and plants come together in memorable ways.”

CEO Susan Shallo said, “We are thrilled to welcome Jim to our team. His level of skill and creativity is unmatched. I’m confident he will build upon the beautiful gardens at Magnolia while enhancing the property and overall guest experience.”   

ABOUT MAGNOLIA PLANTATION & GARDENS

Founded in 1676 by the Drayton family, Magnolia Plantation & Gardens is the oldest public tourist site in the Lowcountry, and the oldest public gardens in America. Magnolia opened its doors to visitors in 1870 to view the thousands of beautiful flowers and plants in its famous gardens. Learn more at www.magnoliaplantation.com.