Starting a garden isn't just about planting seeds and tending greens. It's a compelling journey that goes beyond the soil – a tale that’s not only visually enthrall but emotionally connect. To learn more about this horticultural expedition, we turned to an authority in conifers and ginkgo trees - Tom Cox, the creator along with his wife Evelyn of Cox Arboretum and Garden in Canton GA.

Cox Arboretum and Garden, a renowned botanical hub situated in an ideal geographic zone, is a distinguished example of a beautifully curated, year-round, environmentally connected garden thriving with over 4,000 species of plants. From its humble beginnings to attaining recognition as the largest species collection of conifers in North America, the story of Cox Arboretum and Garden is one of dedication, learning, and an enduring love for nature.

Creating the Cox Arboretum and Garden

Tom Cox and his wife, Evelyn, didn’t initially plan to create such a vast arboretum and garden. They purchased a plot of land they fell in love with, and it morphed into a space teeming with exotic conifers, trees and intricate landscapes. The availability of varying growth conditions within their land allowed them to cultivate a diverse blend of plant species, creating a unique ecosystem that thrives in balance. Plants from colder climates or the ones wanting more warmth, both found a comfortable home in their Arboretum.

Traveling for Botanical Enrichment with Adventures Around the World

Tom's passion for horticulture extended far beyond the domestic soil. He and Evelyn embarked on travel to over 51 countries, exploring the world to discover exotic species, and returned to their arboretum to nurture their global bounty. This international exploration enriched the Arboretum with distinctive varieties of conifers and other plants, creating a fascinating botanical showcase that is a visual treat and a source of learning for gardening enthusiasts.

Designing Gardens for Success

One of the major takeaways from Tom's experiences is the emphasis on garden planning. Tom points out the common pitfalls that amateurs and even professionals sometimes fall into, such as failing to account for the ultimate size of plants during designing and neglecting to consider the seasonal adaptability of certain species. By understanding these essential factors, gardeners can prevent landscapes that become overcrowded or lifeless after the initial blooms of spring fade.

A Year-Round Garden for All Seasons

Tom Cox emphasizes the importance of creating a garden that has four seasons of interest. Instead of focusing only on spring blooms, gardeners should incorporate plants that create interest in winter, summer, and fall. As per Tom, a successful garden will provide pleasure not just during the peak springtime but all year round. Plants like hollies, rhododendron, Helleborus, along with a variety of conifers and azaleas, are great options for maintaining interest and color throughout the year.

The Future of Cox Arboretum

The admirable efforts of Tom and Evelyn have shaped the Cox Arboretum and Garden into an educational and intergenerational source of gardening inspiration. As the torch passes onto the younger Cox generation, the Arboretum promises to evolve further, inviting more garden enthusiasts into the folds of its natural charm and educating many more about the art of successful gardening. 

In conclusion, the story of Cox Arboretum and Garden is a testament to nurturing a garden's potential through careful planning, diverse planting, and a commitment to creating a year-round, interactive space. The arboretum's journey from a simple plot of land to a famed botanical site encourages us to cultivate gardens that work in harmony with nature and serve as beautiful sanctuaries for ourselves and future generations.

This is an encore and remix presentation with Tom Cox. An extraordinary plantsman and creator along with his wife Evelyn of Cox Arboretum and Garden in Canton Georgia. Thank you, Tom, for what you brought to our world.

This has been an encore, remix presentation with Tom Cox. A tribute and memory of an extraordinary plantsman and creator along with his wife Evelyn of Cox Arboretum and Garden in Canton Georgia. Thank you, Tom, for what you brought to our world.

This is episode 140 - Nurturing a Garden: Adventures, Wisdom, and Insights from Cox Arboretum and Garden - Tom Cox

Thomas Wilson ‘Tom’ Cox: July 5, 1945 - March 11, 2023

Time Line

00:01 Introduction to the Garden Question Podcast

00:36 Meet the Host and the Guest: Tom Cox

00:39 Tom Cox's Journey and Achievements

01:56 Adding Interest to Your Winter Landscape

03:33 The Importance of Conifers and Their Adaptability

04:27 The Fascinating History and Survival of Conifers

05:35 Creating Winter Interest with Conifers

06:19 Availability and Transplanting of Conifers

09:20 Spring Blooming Plants and Their Unique Features

13:54 The Importance of Four-Season Gardening

20:07 The Journey of Cox Arboretum

24:40 The Unique Conditions of Cox Arboretum

30:30 The Importance of Pruning and Plant Management

31:59 Understanding Arboretums, Pinetums, and Botanical Gardens

32:35 The Purpose and Benefits of an Arboretum

33:39 Exploring the Medicinal Properties of Plants

34:29 Historical Uses of Plants and Trees

39:04 The Process of Plant Cultivation and Grafting

44:29 The Importance of Plant Knowledge in Landscaping

46:15 The Journey of Creating an Arboretum

56:30 The Future of the Arboretum

59:01 Connecting with the Arboretum