Dr. Art Kruckeberg, 1920 - 2016

Art as Botany Chair at UW in 1969,
courtesy Dr. D. Henderson via Richard Olmstead
Courtesy KBGF

News from the Kruckeberg Botanic Garden Foundation of the passing of Dr. Art Kruckeberg. The KBGF director sent out the following notice:

I am sad to report the passing of Dr. Arthur R. Kruckeberg yesterday, May 25th, at the age of 96 in his home after a brief illness. 

Art is a legend around here, and has had his hands in just about everyone's lives and gardens. He was a Professor of Botany at the University of Washington, was instrumental in conserving wild areas, authored many books and articles, and helped popularize the use of native plants in northwest gardens. 

Art and his wife, Mareen, bought this property in 1958 and used it as their living lab for plants collected around the world, and it has grown into a really special public garden. 

We are proud to be able to bear the Kruckeberg name, and to carry Art and Mareen's legacy forward. In addition to being an accomplished man, he was a passionate teacher, friend, and father. He will be greatly missed by us all. 

They are closing the Garden until Saturday morning at 10am.


The Kruckeberg Botanic Garden Foundation is dedicated to sustaining the Kruckeberg legacy by demonstrating how plants enrich our lives and our community. Our vision is to inspire appreciation and stewardship of nature through gardens.

The Garden is located at 20312 15th Ave NW, Shoreline 98177. 206-546-1281.