Elvin McDonald
Garden Writer and Editor
Member since: 2012
Proposed by: Des Moines Founders Garden Club, Zone XI
Elvin's love of gardening began at the early age of three and by 14, he was a published author and founder of The Gesneriad Society. His passion for gardening has translated into a lifelong career. He has published numerous gardening books and served as an editor at House Beautiful, Ortho Books, Houston Post, Traditional Home and Better Homes and Gardens. His love of gardening has inspired gardeners from Missouri to Brooklyn and from Houston to Iowa, where he is Botanical Educator and Ambassador Emeritus for the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. In 2021, the Elvin McDonald Gesneriad Collection was dedicated at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. Elvin serves as Secretary on the board of the Terrace Hill Partnership that oversees the home and gardens of the Iowa Governor's residence.
