Profile
David McKinney is a passionate garden ecologist who explores the dynamic and complicated relationship between plants, people, and wildlife.
An award winning writer and speaker, he recently received the Emerging Perennial Professional Award from the Perennial Plant Association and Kenneth Post Award from the American Society for Horticultural Science. David’s writing has been featured in Fine Gardening, Greenhouse Grower, and LooseLeaf among others.
Originally from Colorado, he began his horticulture career as a teenager contract mowing lawns and managing residential landscapes. Since then he has worn many hats, from nursery production, to garden center retail, to plant performance research.
Now home is Des Moines, IA where he works as Curator of the Iowa Arboretum & Gardens. There David manages 160 acres of cultivated space, prairie restoration, and native woodland. While gardening in rolling prairie is much different than a backdrop of mountain peaks, he finds that the prairie has stolen his heart.
On top of his curatorial work, he is an entomologist specializing in solitary wasp ecology. He shares his love of these misunderstood insects in the hope of one day dispelling the fear associated with these important creatures.
Gardens are abundant with life; plants, animals, microbes, and humans work together to make vibrant landscapes.
The 21st century landscape is shaped by human impact. Modifications to the land, atmosphere, water, and species selection pressures present a novel and unique challenge to how our world operates. Whether humans want to acknowledge as much, we are a part of the ecosystems around us. We have the opportunity to alter and shape our landscapes to be refuges, sanctuaries, theaters, and temples to the natural world.
I work to explore our role in the stewardship of anthropocene wildlife. Through setting goals and broadening perspectives, we can begin to parse out the human activities that do disrupt ecological functioning versus those that nature is indifferent to. The reality is that every plant that is put into the ground, every spring cutback, every choice we make in the garden is a distinctly human act that makes us a participant in the system.
Appearances
David is a relatable and entertaining speaker, helping demystify subjects across garden ecology, large landscape management, and climate change effects in gardens. Presenting practical and real-world based approaches, his extensive understanding and thought provoking discussion has been enjoyed by home gardeners to industry professionals.
Media
Fine Gardening Magazine – January/February 2024
9 Special Junipers with Unique Forms for the Garden
Fine Gardening Magazine – January/February 2025
How to Tell If a Plant Native to One Region Might Do Well Elsewhere
The Landscape Contractor – September 2024
10 Wonderful Wasps
Colorado green – January/February 2019
Shade Solution: colorful Helleborus adapts well in Colorado
FAQs
What is your process working in smaller projects?
Études offers comprehensive consulting, management, design, and research solutions. Our vision is to be at the forefront of architectural innovation, fostering a global community of architects and enthusiasts united by a passion for creating spaces. Every architectural endeavor is an opportunity to shape the future.
Who is behind Études?
Études offers comprehensive consulting, management, design, and research solutions. Our vision is to be at the forefront of architectural innovation, fostering a global community of architects and enthusiasts united by a passion for creating spaces. Every architectural endeavor is an opportunity to shape the future.
I’d like to get to meet fellow architects, how can I do that?
Études offers comprehensive consulting, management, design, and research solutions. Our vision is to be at the forefront of architectural innovation, fostering a global community of architects and enthusiasts united by a passion for creating spaces. Every architectural endeavor is an opportunity to shape the future.
Can I apply to be a part of the team or work as a contractor?
Études offers comprehensive consulting, management, design, and research solutions. Our vision is to be at the forefront of architectural innovation, fostering a global community of architects and enthusiasts united by a passion for creating spaces. Every architectural endeavor is an opportunity to shape the future.