Research Initiatives at the New York Botanical Garden

A longtime horticulturalist based in London, Marjorie G. Rosen spent nearly 25 years as the president of Arts Britannia Ltd. Marjorie G. Rosen has also been a member of the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) since 2002 and has served as the vice chairman of the board since 2013. 

An international leader in plant research and conservation, the NYBG sponsors a broad range of research initiatives around the globe. Core research projects at the NYBG include New York City EcoFlora, which is dedicated to protecting the diversity of plants, animals, fungi, and ecosystems in the New York City metropolitan area. Drawing on data from natural history collections and institutions, the project attempts to shield the region’s biodiversity from the impact of development and climate change. 

On a broader scale, the NYBG sponsors conservation assessments of plants located throughout the Americas. Thanks to a streamlined assessment method for plant conservation, the NYBG hopes to complete initial assessments for all plant species in the Western Hemisphere. Using this data, international agencies such as the International Union for the Conservation of Nature can prevent trafficking of protected species.

The ICP’s Infinity Awards

After having served as the president of her company Arts Britannia in both the UK and the US, Marjorie G. Rosen is now the vice chairman of the New York Botanical Garden and chair of its horticulture committee. She is also a co-chair of the International Center of Photography (ICP) acquisitions committee. In that role, Marjorie G. Rosen contributes to putting on the organization’s yearly Infinity Awards, which are held in New York City. 

Founded in 1974, the ICP works to promote and support photography and other visual media that engage with social issues. The Infinity Awards have been held every year since 1985 to highlight visual work in the fields of fashion photography, art, photojournalism, and publishing. 

Celebrities like models Naomi Campbell and Karlie Kloss attend the New York City awards, and past winners have included photographer Annie Leibovitz and National Geographic photojournalist Lynsey Addario. The proceeds from the event support the ICP, including its museum, library, and photography school.

Building Soil for Planters and Raised Garden Beds

During her time as a board member with New York Botanical Garden (NYBG), Marjorie G. Rosen has traveled to locations throughout Europe, Asia, and South America. Marjorie G. Rosen formerly hosted a radio show titled “The Weekend Gardener,” where she provided gardening advice to gardeners in eastern Long Island and the Hamptons. 

When it comes to building soil for planters and raised garden beds, there is no guarantee that store-bought soil will contain the organic matter necessary to sustain plant growth. Always ask sellers about where the soil came from and prepare to build up the soil with the necessary nutrients no matter what. Even if you find soil rich in organic matter, you will need to revitalize it on a yearly basis if you use it in planters. A common soil revitalization strategy involves planting a “green manure” cover crop, which can infuse organic matter and fix nitrogen when chopped up and placed in the soil.

When preparing soil for a planter, it is important to leave the soil light and fluffy, instead of densely packed. Fluffy soil enables plant roots to penetrate through the soil and absorb more nutrients. If you poke a finger into the soil, it should go all the way down to the third knuckle without much resistance. If it does not, you may need to redistribute the soil in your planter.

About Marjorie G. Rosen

Marjorie Rosen’s passion for gardening began in London more than 30 years ago, and she has since remained active in the international horticulture community. As a Royal Oak Foundation board member, she traveled to renowned private and public gardens around the United Kingdom, accompanied by experts in British horticulture. Marjorie Rosen has also attended nearly every opening night of the Royal Horticultural Society’s famous Chelsea Flower Show.

Throughout the years, Rosen has served in numerous horticulture-related roles. She became a New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) board member in 2002 and now serves as the board’s vice chairman. For more than 10 years, she was also a member of the Horticulture Committee and went on to become the committee chairman in 2007. She additionally acted as the co-chair of NYBG’s Plant Collectors’ Sale for many years. As a result of her role with the organization, Marjorie Rosen has travelled with NYBG to see gardens in places such as Japan, Brazil and Chile, Belize.