George Sherman Avery Jr.

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George Sherman Avery, Jr. (August 3, 1903 – August 6, 1994) was an American botanist, expert on plant physiology, and prominent horticulturalist.[1]

George Sherman Avery, Jr.
BornAugust 3, 1903
DiedAugust 6, 1994 (aged 91)
NationalityAmerican
Alma materTulane University
Dartmouth College
University of Wisconsin
Scientific career
FieldsPlant physiology
InstitutionsBrooklyn Botanic Garden
Connecticut College

Biography

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Avery obtained his undergraduate degree at Tulane University, and pursued his master's degree from Dartmouth College.[1] He earned his Ph.D. in plant physiology from the University of Wisconsin.[2]

In 1931, Avery was brought on as professor of botany at Connecticut College. He was also director of the Connecticut College Arboretum. Avery left Connecticut to head the Brooklyn Botanic Garden (BBG) in 1944. Under his direction, the BBG underwent several expansion projects as it acquired more land.[1] In 1945, Avery established the Plants & Gardens journal.[2]

While at the BBG, Avery took an interest in bonsai horticulture. In 1948, he hired Frank Okamura to help him take care of several bonsai housed at the garden, which were gifted by Ernest F. Coe in 1925. Avery began to work on a handbook for the care on bonsai with the help of horticulturalist Kanichiro Yashiroda, entitled Handbook on Dwarfed Potted Trees - The Bonsai of Japan. It was first published in 1953.[2]

Avery served as president of the Botanical Society of America in 1957. He left the BBG in 1969.[1]

Awards

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d Pace, Eric. "George Avery Jr., 92, Former Director Of Botanic Garden." The New York Times, 8 Aug. 1994, p. 7.
  2. ^ a b c d e Bonsai Book of Days - August 3